Spieth vs. McIlroy: The Battle in the Desert at Abu Dhabi

For those tasked with filling column inches and airtime it’s become common practice to compare the games of golf’s standard-bearers in recent months. For Jordan it’s been a story of rolling in putts from the Masters to Moline (for the record, he averaged 78 feet of putts made per round in 2015, nearly the length of a basketball court) and otherwise dissecting golf courses like a taxidermist. ^th hole of the day, Spieth eased a 10-footer for par into the hole. At the 18^th hole, their ninth, McIlroy hit a drive that sailed some 30 yards farther than Spieth’s on his way to a birdie. Which player has the advantage this week in the UAE? Send your pick's to the Pro Golf Tour.

By contrast, when he’s healthy Rory McIlroy has the ability to manhandle even the longest courses (see PGA Championship, 2014) with drives that seem to linger in the afternoon sky longer than they should. Which style is preferred and will better stand the test of time is the subject of much debate, as if the world would settle for just a single flavor at Baskin-Robbins. What made Thursday’s action at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship special was the proximity of the divergent styles. Spieth and McIlroy set out together for Round 1 in what amounted to a competitive petri dish. Which player has the edge this week in the dessert of UAE? Share your comments with the Pro Golf Tour.