In recent weeks we’ve seen the coronation of two tremendous teenaged golfers in the world golfing realm. No, we are not discussing Michelle Wie, who came fairly close to an inaugural professional win. Instead, we recognize Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, champion of the Dubai Classic and Danny Lee of New Zealand (by way of South Korea), winner of this week’s Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia.

Of the two, Lee impresses me more. He charged to victory with a final-round 67, including a par-saving putt on 16 after rinsing a ball in the local lavadora. In contrast, McIlroy had a six-stroke lead with six to play in the desert and barely hung on to win. Had Rory’s challenger been any other than Justin “Nope, still don’t know how to win” Rose, the fifteen-footer might have fallen on the final green, McIlroy might have gone to a playoff or lost in regulation, and we would simple be discussing Lee.

Lee is a bit edgy, no doubt. He gets into trouble in airports and has already announced he will depart the amateur ranks after The Masters. However, he has one US Amateur notch on his belt (2008) and truly deserves to play The Masters as a professional. However, given this win at the JWC, I sense that he might challenge at Augusta if he figures the place out. Having an amateur give chase at The National would certainly arouse interest in the game.

So here’s to McIlroy and Lee, Lee and McIlroy. Tiger is 33, married and bionic. It is high time that the world of golf find someone(s) with the charisma to succeed the current King of the game. Dustin Johnson and Anthony Kim notwithstanding, it’s never a bad thing to have more candidates from which to choose.

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