IT is that time of the year again when the world’s best descend on the Augusta National all aiming to pull the Green Jacket on this Sunday night. Golf writer Paul Fraser has examined the field and has picked out his five to follow at the US Masters.
THE AMERICAN
Jordan Spieth
Who else? Jason Day and Rory McIlroy perhaps? After the way Spieth stunned the world by finishing second and then winning the Green Jacket by the age of 21, I’m not putting it past him to reclaim the honour once more.
In doing so he would become only the fourth man to successfully defend the crown. The difference this year is that he is not going into the Masters in form, but everyone knows he can rise to the big occasion.
Odds: 10/1
THE BRIT
Danny Willett
After finishing 38th in his first Masters, the 28-year-old has only got better since then, including two top three finishes in World Golf Championship events. He has the game to tame Augusta and has brilliant putting ability to take him to the top of the field.
The US crowd don’t fancy his chances because he doesn’t spend too much time across the pond. Don’t rule him out – and he has good odds too.
Odds:66/1
THE EUROPEAN
Henrik Stenson
The Swede remains one of the best ball strikers in the world and that is exactly what is required to do the business in Georgia. The problem following him around is that he is yet to finish in the top ten at the Masters, although he will be in fantastic form this time around.
He has made a Tour leading 33 cuts in a row, secured three top-11 finishes in five PGA Tour events and earned a further four top six finishes in Europe. He was second at the Shell Houston Open last Sunday, just a shot behind Jim Herman and one ahead of Dustin Johnson.
Odds:25/1
SURPRISE PACKAGE
Hideki Matsuyama
Even though he is only 24 years of age, this is the Japanese talent’s fifth Masters and he has the ability to build on last year’s fifth place finish. He is arguably the best iron player in the world so that can only help him secure ideal positions on the green.
If he does build on his final round 66 of 12 months ago to climb ahead of the rest then he is bidding to become the first golfer from Japan to ever win the Masters.
Odds:40/1
THE LONG SHOT
Brooks Koepka
The American might have long odds going into his latest Masters but he is still ranked 18th in the world so is more than capable of forcing his way up the leaderboard by Sunday night.
Last year he finished in the top 40 in all of the majors and there is a feeling that the big hitter can step it up a notch this year. He’s certainly worth a punt given the value placed on him by the bookmakers.
Odds: 80/1
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