With world No 1 Rory McIlroy and defending champion Bubba Watson seemingly sure things to contend this week at the Masters, John McAuley offers five other guys to shine at the season’s first major championship.
Jordan Spieth
The hottest golfer on the planet right now, with two runner-up finishes and a victory in his past three events. Spieth may be only 21, but the Texan is wise way beyond his years. A brilliant ball-striker and prodigious putter, he has the perfect skillset for mastering Augusta. Proved that on debut last year, when he finished runner-up to Watson. Only concern is burnout, given Sunday’s play-off defeat in Houston.
Jimmy Walker
While Spieth is a precocious talent, his fellow Texan is a late bloomer. Aged 36, Walker triumphed at his home Open two weeks ago to register his fifth PGA Tour victory in 18 months: an unbelievable achievement. Again, performed admirably on debut last year at Augusta National, when he finished tied-eighth. Excellent around the greens, Walker is clutch personified – and that is required more this week than any other.
Phil Mickelson
Without a victory since sealing the 2013 British Open, the five-time major champion comes into Augusta a little under the radar – if at all possible. Mickelson’s Masters record is sublime: three wins and seven other top-five finishes. Aged 44, time is not on his side, but Lefty looked revitalised last week in Houston, where his previously questionable putting stroke was much more solid. Perfectly timed, he is peaking right on cue.
Patrick Reed
Divisive and dogged, the polarising American is a dab hand around Augusta, too. Reed was a former student at Augusta State, so feels right at home there. Granted, he bombed on debut last year and missed the cut, but confidence levels have soared since. In January, he racked up his fourth victory on the PGA Tour. One thing is certain: cocksure Reed will believe he can win this week.
Louis Oosthuizen
Perhaps not an obvious choice, given problems this past year with injury and form. However, Oosthuizen arrives at Augusta healthy and hopeful, especially since he boasts an impressive track record there. Last last’s top-25 finish was decent, while his runner-up to Watson in 2012 proved he has the tools to excel at Augusta National. Has six top-10 finishes in past 10 tournaments worldwide. Louis could light it up this week.
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