Fansided

5 most anticipated match-ups of the 2018 Masters

By Kyle Walton

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 18: Fans reach for Tiger Woods as he makes his way to hole No. 7 during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 18, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 18: Fans reach for Tiger Woods as he makes his way to hole No. 7 during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 18, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR) /
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – MARCH 05: Jon Rahm of Spain speaks with Phil Mickelson before teeing off on the 15th hole during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship at Club de Golf Chapultepec on March 5, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – MARCH 05: Jon Rahm of Spain speaks with Phil Mickelson before teeing off on the 15th hole during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship at Club de Golf Chapultepec on March 5, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR) /

5. Phil Mickelson vs. Jon Rahm

This year the infamous “Lefty” Phil Mickelson, tees it up for the 25th time at Augusta National Golf Club. In all those attempts, Mickelson has made the cut 22 times. More importantly, he has donned the green jacket on three separate occasions after his victories in 2004, 2006 and 2010.

When he tees off in 2018, Mickelson will look to break records once again in the world of professional golf. A win this year would mean surpassing the icon Jack Nicklaus as the oldest golfer to win the Masters. When Nicklaus won in 1986, he was 46 years old. Mickelson will be 47 this year when he makes the drive down Magnolia Lane.

Mickelson’s influence on the game of golf cannot be overstated. The young, up and coming 23-year old Jon Rahm has even discussed the veteran’s influence on his own game. In January 2018, Rahm and Mickelson spoke about their pairing after being matched together in the opening rounds of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

“He’s always been a great friend and mentor to me,” Rahm said, adding:

"He’s helped me out on everything he’s been able to help me out on. Even in college and out of college. And we just have a lot of fun together. I love playing practice rounds with him, I love joking around with him."

That weekend Rahm and Mickelson played their first two days together at 7-under a piece. Mickelson took the edge in the tournament carding a 14-under (tied 5th) while Rahm came in at 12-under. While Mickelson looks to further cement his legacy at Augusta, Rahm eyes his first green jacket and the kickstart to his own Hall-of-Fame-worthy career.

Rahm showed his high-pressure prowess earlier this year when he won the CareerBuilder Challenge in a four-hole playoff against Andrew Landry. Over the four-day tournament, Rahm carded a total scorecard of 22-under par.

Mickelson himself believes in Rahm’s growing success. Prior to their Waste Management pairing Mickelson stated, “He’ll get there [No. 1], eventually. He’s so talented and to have him do it as quickly as he had right out of college, very impressive.”

Heading into the Masters, Rahm is currently placed sixth in FedEx Cup points and third in the Official World Golf Rankings. A battle of experience versus youth would sure to make for an entertaining Sunday.

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