Honda Classic 2012 Leaderboard: Why Golf Desperately Needs Rory McIlroy to Win

Let's keep it real for a second, folks. The last time the sport of golf was truly exciting was when Tiger Woods was at the top of his game.

Sure, it was mostly because he was the most dominant golfer many people had ever seen, but he was also young, fiery and good-looking. Woods gave golf something it seemed to lack to outsiders: Personality.

Which is why the PGA is probably hoping and praying that Rory McIlroy can hold on to win the Honda Classic and overtake the world's top ranking from Luke Donald.

Donald had a fantastic 2011, though there isn't anything particularly compelling about him as a personality. He has a fantastic short game, and as effective as that is, it isn't nearly as exciting as the power other players demonstrate.

Meanwhile, McIlroy has a smooth swing and a natural flair about him. He had 2011's most dominant performance, an awe-inspiring eight-shot victory at the U.S. Open. Alex Diamond of ESPN had the following to say after that performance:

"

The 22-year-old from Hollywood has long been one of the game's brightest prospects, blessed with a natural swing and potential for greatness that either you are born with, or you are not.

But he carries with him something more than that, a likeability and a charm that helps him transcend a barrier as suddenly trivial as nationality, to such an extent that he was be cheered on by all-comers as he wrapped up one of the most one-sided major championship results in recent memory.

"

And it certainly doesn't hurt him with the younger generation that he and tennis star Caroline Wozniacki form one of the youngest power couples in sports today.

Golf needs a young star. McIlroy certainly fits that bill.

A win at the Honda Classic and a top ranking would be just what the doctor ordered for the PGA.

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