FARMINGDALE: The Black Course at the Bethpage State Park here is set for some colourful golf at the Barclays, the first FedExCup Playoff event, which begins on Thursday. The sixth edition of the tournament is sure to provide high-voltage action as the best golfers in the world vie for the big prizes.
Top of the pile will be the much hyped-up showdown between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, the new world No. 1. However, with a host of other top contenders gunning for glory, it’s hardly going to be a two-horse race. Rather, it could be a photo-finish with several men lunging for the tape on Sunday. Woods and McIlroy, though, will be paired together for the first two rounds and that should set tongues wagging.One top name missing from the event is Jason Dufner, who is No. 2 in FedExCup points tally at the moment. Dufner withdrew from the tournament to recharge his batteries and come back strongly for the later events.Testing the big pros to the hilt will be the punishing and ‘infamous’ Black Course where breaking par makes top golfers feel good about themselves. The course has some pedigree, having hosted two Majors – the 2002 and 2009 US Open Championships.Exactly a decade back, Woods, the 2007 and 2009 FedExCup Champion, claimed the 2002 US Open at this very course when the halfway cut was applied at a bewilderingly high 10-over par 150. Woods, after suffering the worst form slump of his career post his encounter with a fire hydrant late in 2009, has come back strongly this year to lead the FedExCup Playoffs points standings. He is the only three-time winner on the PGA Tour in 2012 and will be trying to win his maiden Barclays title after having come close in 2009 when he finished tied second, one shot behind winner Heath Slocum. Woods has an impressive track record at the Black Course and will start as one of the favourites.McIlroy, who won his second Major just two weeks back, the PGA Championship, enters the Playoffs third on the table, 177 points behind Woods.The Northern Irishman has been hailed as the successor to Woods, the one most likely to dominate the game for the next decade or so. The gifted golfer has found his best form lately and will be a major threat if he is consistent.Veteran Phil Mickelson, Zach Johnson and 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson will lead the home charge along with Woods. They will, though, be watching over their shoulders for Sergio Garcia who notched up a much-needed victory on Monday at Wyndham Championship.The Spaniard is one of the most successful players at Barclays with two career victories. The other golfer who will be leading the outside challenge is Ernie Els whose come-from-behind win at this year’s British Open gave a new impetus to his career.