Cadillac Championship 2012: Golf Needs Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to Be Rivals

Tiger Woods' recent resurgence and Rory McIlroy ascending to the No. 1 spot have both provided a boost to golf. For the sport to reach its peak, however, it needs the formerly unbeatable fan favorite and the phenom with a picture-perfect swing to become fierce rivals.

Make no mistake, as McIlroy set his sights on the top spot and another title last Sunday, he knew exactly what was happening ahead of him as the roars bellowed out. Woods was sinking putts. There was no other possible explanation.

It was a coming-of-age moment for the 22-year-old Northern Irishman. He was either going to wilt under pressure of Tiger's charge, which so many others have done through the years, or stand up and assert himself as a dominant force.

He knew it. Woods knew it. And everybody watching around the world knew it.

Several approach shots left difficult up and downs as it appeared he began to feel the heat, but every time, his chip shot was on target and allowed for an easy par. He maintained his two-shot lead and took home the trophy.

It felt like McIlroy was sending a subliminal message to Woods: Game on.

Golf is a lot better when there are two elite players battling in every important tournament. Those involved in the sport attempted to make the case for parity during Woods' struggles, but the television ratings proved casual fans weren't buying it.

Would you rather see McIlroy and Woods going shot for shot on the back nine at Augusta or virtual unknowns claiming every major? For most people, the answer is obvious. Give us the dueling Goliaths.

That's why this week's Cadillac Championship is so important. Both guys are heading right back into action to build off their recent momentum. Nothing would be better for the sport than to have them in the final pairing on Sunday.

It's one thing to hear the Tiger roars from a few holes back, but it's a completely different feeling when he's pumping his fist just a few feet away and the crowd is going wild.

On the flip side, Woods would have to deal with a gallery that's starting to fall in love with McIlroy as well. Even through his darkest days when he first returned, the fans were behind him 100 percent. It would be a different feeling to hear them strongly supporting somebody else.

Both guys are amazingly competitive, so there should already be a built-in desire to defeat the other guy. Now they just have to show it on the course to add a little fuel to the fire and make things really intriguing at the big events.

It's a rivalry that could cause ratings to skyrocket and return the sport to its former glory. Hopefully the Blue Monster provides another early chapter in what is shaping up to be a great story.