Masters 2012: Rory McIlroy Will Finally Face the Real Tiger Woods

The kid has had it easy for a couple years. Finally, we get to see how the phenomenal Rory McIlroy fares in the same field as Tiger Woods, the classic version. 

The young star from Northern Ireland has done enough to solidify his status as the future of this sport. A decade from now, we will no doubt wonder which golfer in the field would dare challenge McIlroy at Augusta. 

On April 5, we begin the 2012 Masters and one of the last remaining chances to see two giants go at the field while they themselves are in fine form. 

One thing I took away from the 924 days between Tiger Woods' victories is that you really never miss something until it's gone. 

We take Michael Jordan for granted until he actually retires for good, and then the search for his heir is immediately on. We never take the time to step back and savor the great ones when they are truly great. 

I feel almost guilty having this much intrigue heading into an event that really needs none. The Masters is a tournament that is greater than the golfers that make up its field. 

However, it will be the first true test for the sport's future and the proving ground for its best. 

There is no bigger test for a golfer than having to deal with a surging Woods or one that is off and running, compiling a plethora of birdies, making the top of the leaderboard, an insurmountable task. 

McIlroy hasn't seen this, at least, not when he himself has mattered. 

The 22 year old was busy maturing into his own when Woods was railing off titles. When McIlroy finally proved he was among the elite, Woods was on a 924-day respite where his putting left him and a rash of injuries had him bowing out of a few tourneys. 

Finally, Woods is back with a driving game that may be his best in years and the putting to match. One thing that struck me about his four days at Bay Hill is that he was a complete golfer once again. 

By the end of Sunday, the confidence had returned in full. After that, we fully expect the swagger to follow. 

Tiger Woods is back to test Rory McIlroy in full, and we the fans will have little to do but sit back and actually appreciate it all unfold. 

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