The term “the home of golf” is often in reference to “The Old Course” in St Andrews, Scotland, though most Americans would argue that the most famous of courses is located in Georgia. Augusta National Golf Course presents a golfer the ultimate task, and for those who can conquer it, the illustrious Green Jacket is their prize. The lush fairways and pristine greens that constitute the first major of the year can make one’s dreams into realities while simultaneously dashing the hopes of another. This years Master’s tournament shouldn’t be any different.
The abundance of par 5s and over 400 yards of par 4s give the advantage to longer drivers off the tee. Out of these players, the one who can read the greens the right way and putt well will automatically be the favorite. So, without further adieu, here are the contenders…
Dustin Johnson: The current number one in the world couldn’t come into the first major of the year with more confidence. Having just won his last three starts, DJ is on a roll. But, with messy weather projected for Masters weekend, and his track record not being the best, I wouldn’t get my hopes up on Johnson. Predicted Finish: Top 10
Jordan Spieth: The last 12 month have been tough for Spieth. His back 9 meltdown at last year’s Masters cost him a second Green Jacket, and his other major results in 2016 were nothing too great. That being said, Spieth finished T2-Winner-T2 in the last three Masters. These performances are no fluke, so I’d expect Jordan to be knocking on the door again on Sunday. Predicted Finish: Top 5
Rickie Fowler: The 2015 Players Champion has been close in recent majors, but has yet to break through. His history at the Masters isn’t anything to be proud of, so, sorry Ricky, maybe next year. Predicted Finish: Missed Cut
Jason Day: Going into 2017, Day was the favorite to win the majority of the majors and dominate the PGA Tour, but he has fallen short of these expectations so far. With his mother recently diagnosed with cancer, Day pulled out of last weeks World Golf Championships and his Masters attendance is now up in the air. Predicted Finish: Missed Cut
Jon Rahm: The 21 year old Spaniard has everything going for him at the moment. His PGA Tour career has been off the charts so far. Winning in one of his first starts and then almost taking out Dustin Johnson in last weeks final match has put Rahm’s name on the grid, but Augusta is usually unkind to newcomers. Even with his recent form, expect Rahm to struggle. Predicted Finish: 40th
Hideki Matsuyama: The 25 years old is still looking for his first major, and is off to a fast start in 2017. He has risen to 5 in the world rankings and has a game that fits Augusta. The only question is whether Matsuyama can hold his nerve with the putter that betrayed him last year. With rain on the horizon for the weekend, putting will be key. Predicted Finish: Winner
Rory McIlroy: The four time major winner will likely go into almost every tournament the favorite and this should be no exception. McIlroy dominated the European Tour and will be hungry to avenge the 2011 Masters catastrophe and earn his first Green Jacket. He should be in contention down the stretch, but his putter can sometimes do more harm to good. Predicted Finish: 2nd
Others that are in the field are making a run for the Green Jacket, especially because Danny Willett beat the odds to claim last year’s trophy. These contenders will likely be chased from the rest of the field, but the Masters often causes players to make rash decisions in the final moments. Just remember: the Masters doesn’t start until the back nine on Sunday.
Catch all the action April 6-9 on CBS & ESPN
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