Masters Preview - The Perfect Ten
Post by Sports Writer, Derek Clements
THE PERFECT TEN
Rory McIlroy - victory at Augusta would give the world No 1 a career grand slam at the age of 25, something only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have achieved. Surprisingly, his record in The Masters is pretty patchy and many believe the pressure of trying to complete the set this year will affect his performance. Don't be surprised to see him struggle
Jordan Spieth - finished second last year on his debut, aged 20. Twelve months later, he has a Ryder Cup and three victories under his belt. Mature way beyond his years, Spieth is regarded by many as the favourite to go one better this time. Accurate, rock solid with his irons and, crucially, an excellent putter. He also has huge self-belief
Dustin Johnson - back from his self-imposed exile, he has already won this season and showed his mettle at the Texas Open, finishing sixth despite a dreadful 78 in the opening round. The Dustinator has the game to bring Augusta to its knees. Has come close several times in majors and he is the man I expect to see donning the Green Jacket. Hope they can find one big enough
Jason Day - already a winner in 2015, the Australian could legitimately lay claim to being the best current player not to have won a major. He has been very close several times, and seems to save his best for the big occasion. He has a wonderful swing and an uncanny ability to hole important putts and is surely ready to make the breakthrough
Bubba Watson - with his victory last year, the man with the worst swing in the field proved how comfortable he is at Augusta. Known for the huge distances he hits a poor, defenceless golf ball, but you don't win The Masters unless you have a great short game - and Watson is a magician around the greens. A third victory would start the waterworks again
Jimmy Walker - already a multiple winner in 2015, Walker is a brilliant ball striker. He is sneaky long and although his putting stroke may give him problems later in his career (he cuts across the ball), it can do no wrong right now. In truth, Augusta National is made for him and nobody has more confidence right now than the man from Texas
Paul Casey - has done incredibly well to climb back into the top 50 in the world, which secured his invitation. The Englishman is beginning to show signs of the form that made him one of the best in the game. For Casey, the key will be whether or not he arrives at Augusta with his putting stroke in tune - if he does, he could surprise a few people
Ryan Moore - the swing may not be textbook, but he strikes the ball beautifully and is a ferocious competitor. If he gets into contention, the American will be very difficult to beat. Should have won far more than he has, but has now discovered some self-belief, and that could make a huge difference when the chips are down
Henrik Stenson - can the Swede keep going so close without landing the big one? Well, that's what happened to Colin Montgomerie. The key difference is that Stenson has a great temperament and keeps his cool when things are going against him. Should have won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, but that will only make him even more determined
Sergio Garcia - the Spaniard has had a quiet start to the year, but don't let that fool you. Finally at peace with himself after so many near-misses and so many rants over the years, he could finally prove himself wrong. He said that he was not good enough to ever win a major, but anybody who has ever seen him play knows that isn't true
SHOULD CONTEND, BUT WON'T...
Adam Scott - still hitting the ball as well as ever, but has returned to the broomhandle putter. Oh dear!
Keegan Bradley - as with Scott, he just can't seem to get to grips with a 35-inch-long putter. It's all in his mind
Hunter Mahan - nobody with a short game as bad as his ever wins The Masters
Phil Mickelson - when will he ever learn to slow down his swing?
THREE DARK HORSES...
Ryan Palmer - one of the most consistent players on tour, he has the game to win a big one
Louis Oosthuizen - must surely add to his solitary major. Has come close here before
Hideki Matsuyama - the best Japanese player by a mile, great temperament
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