US Masters Preview

 

It’s that time of the year again. Clear the schedules and prepare for four days of top golf. The chase for the green jacket begins on Thursday in Augusta, Georgia and these are the men I think will be leading it come Sunday night.

Phil Mickelson

It would be rude to begin with anyone else. Lefty is the bookies favourite to win this weekend and the stats show why. He is a three time and defending Masters Champion. He has achieved a second and first place finishes this year. His first came last weekend in The Shell Houston Open and if he did win the green jacket, I wouldn’t be the first time he had won a tournament and then went on to win the Masters the week after. He has a big drive, which is a huge advantage in Augusta and in his 18 appearances at the Masters, he has accumulated ten Top 10 finishes. You won’t get Mickelson at any better than 13/2 (Boyle Sports/Paddy Power). But if you’re considering placing money on this tournament, put it here.

Nick Watney

This youngster has been one of the top players on the 2011 Tour. He has achieved five Top 10 finishes, including a World Golf Championship win less than a month ago. This will be Watney’s fourth Masters and he has never been outside the Top 20. Last year, the California native, scored a seventh place finish and he can be best priced for the win at 18/1 (Victor Chandler). Furthermore, he is 13/8 (Paddy Power) for a Top 10 finish which I think is a more likely scenario.

Martin Kaymer

Kaymer is the World’s Number 1 ranked golfer. He has finished in the Top 10 in four of his last five majors. His record isn’t overly impressive at Augusta but at 22/1 (Paddy Power/ Victor Chandler) for the win and 7/1 (Paddy Power) for Top European he is certainly value for money. Did I say he was the World Number 1 Player?

Justin Rose

Rose was not invited to Augusta last year so there will be no need for motivation when he takes to the tee on Thursday. His recent form is top class. The Englishman tied for fifth at the Transitions Championship and achieved a third place finish at Bay Hill last time out. I really think Rose will be up there on Sunday and at 35/1 (Paddy Power) he is worth consideration. He is also 11/4 (Paddy Power) for Top 10 finish.

Tiger Woods

As much as I would like to overlook Tiger this weekend, I just can’t. He hasn’t finished outside the Top 10 in Augusta since 2004 and he is Evs (Stan James) to do it again this time around. He is 12/1 (Boyle Sports) to claim the green jacket. Put stats and controversy aside. He is Tiger Woods and it is The Masters. Cannot be ignored.

Steve Stricker

I tipped Stricker last weekend for the win and for a Top 10 and he finished fourth. This time around I’ll be keeping the faith. He self admittedly has a poor record at August but is a very talented player and is currently in form. He is 50/1 (William Hill) for the win but 6/4 (Stan James) for a Top 20 finish really stood out to me. He is more than capable. 

My Tips

2pts Phil Mickelson Win

2pts Tiger Woods Top 10

2pts Nick Watney Top 10

1pt Justin Rose Top 10

1pt Martin Kaymer Top European

1pt Steve Stricker Top 20

• This article was published on www.fightingtips.co.uk.
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