Each week sports reporters Matthew Lambert and Eric Schroeder will face off on a hot topic in sports. The world of sports is changing quickly and constantly, but we want to slow it down and take a better look at the juiciest gossip, scandal, rumor or issue that is making headlines this week. Lambert and Schroeder will take different sides and battle it out, telling you why you they are right.

This week’s topic: Who will be the new face of golf?

The world of golf has changed since Tiger Woods’ affair came to light in 2009. Now Woods has been suffering from back injuries that have been becoming progressively worse, causing him to withdraw from events. The once number one golfer in the world has quickly fallen from elite in the past few years leaving an opening for virtually anyone to assume the title of the golf’s best. Who will rise up and replace Woods as the new face of golf? Let’s talk about it…                    (Preview by Eric Schroeder and Allison Mueller)

FROM ERIC SCHROEDER

It has become clear in just four years that Rory McIlroy is the next great in golf. Flying under the radar until the 2011 U.S. Open, McIlroy surprised the world by not only winning his first major but setting the 72-hole record at Congressional as well.

Since then he has won three more majors, the PGA Championship twice and the Open Championship, along with four other tournaments. In addition, McIlroy has six European tour wins under his belt. He has also been a member of Team Europe for the Ryder Cup each of the last three tournaments helping Europe win all three.

Starting off the 2015 tour, McIlroy is on fire, taking first and second in the first two tournaments. His number one world ranking has held for a total of 66 weeks as he finished number one last year. It is this dominance at a young age that has McIlroy poised to control the top spot in golf very much like Tiger did at one time. One star has fallen, but the rise of another has the future of golf looking bright.

FROM MATTHEW LAMBERT

With Tiger Woods still struggling with back injuries, it seems as though it’s the end of Woods as we know it. Don’t expect Woods to come out in his red Nike shirt and set a career record anymore, as it seems he won’t even be able to make it to the last day. The question should be asked, who’s going to be the guy who can replicate Woods and be the face of golf?

Bubba Watson.

Other than his good looks and great story, Watson is getting consistently better and is currently the third ranked golfer in the world behind Rory Mcllroy and Henrik Stenson.

Last year, Watson drove the ball an average distance of 314 yards per drive and averaged a score 69 points per contest. He also played in 21 events and made the Top 25 11 times and, of those 11 times, made the Top 10 eight times. It also doesn’t hurt that he won The Masters last year and placed second in the World Golf Championships.

Watson is a guy to rally around. He is lovable, talented and only getting better. Watch out McIlroy and Stenson, Watson is coming for the top spots.