EastStandBlue
Life President
The Masters at Augusta is one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events, this year given more impetus by the not-so-surprising return of Tiger Woods.
At the risk of overshadowing a landmark event in the golfing calendar, Woods has pledged to put his previous indiscretions behind him and compete. The eventual media circus that followed him was ever so predictable, badges allowing entry to the prestigious course trading for just under 10,000USD.
Tiger will be looking to make this Major number 15, but it might just come too soon for Woods to find his rhythm after such a period out of the game and consistently find the shots on what is an extremely challenging course. Of course, nobody knows this course better than Woods, winning this tournament no less than four times previously. Phil Mickelson spoke at great length about fully expecting a Tiger challenge, but he probably didn’t see his practice round...
With Woods having to contend with mounting pressure and press coverage, this year could prove to be the best chance for an Englishman to reign supreme and look no further than Paul Casey. The world number six believes it’s about time an Englishman won a Major for the first time since Faldo in ’96, and he probably possesses the best chance coming into Augusta in fine form. He may have pulled out of the Houston event last week, citing an injury to his neck and shoulder, but it should stand up having been rested.
Other notable English golfers who will harbour Major hopes are Ian Poulter, so confident of a win he pulled out of his practice round after nine holes so not to miss any of Arsenal’s Champions League game against Barcelona, and Lee Westwood, who placed third in two Majors last year and will look to build upon his European Golfer of the Year award.
The Big Easy is also a major contender for this tournament as he’ll look to add the Masters to his cabinet of Major wins. Els, now 40, is another golfer who enters Augusta playing some excellent golf and won the Bay Hill event last week to prove his crudentials and this has been reinforced by his classification as third favourite, just behind Woods and Mickelson.
A rank outsider with a good chance to place is KJ Choi. He has previous on this course, finishing third in 2004 and is now more than experienced to deal with the pressure of a continued charge. He’s been paired with Woods for the opening round, but at 40 years old he’s too long in the tooth to let the extensive media coverage get to him.
A European worthy of a flutter is Edoardo Mollinari. The Italian, who competes with his brother Francesco in doubles events, is a former Amatuer champion and finished as runner up to Els in the Bay Hill event. He’s capable of long drives and is a neat and tidy golfer, vital for this course. Choi enters in at 66/1, whereas Mollinari is further back at 150/1 and is well worth at least £1 each way.
Away from title contention, spare a thought for Matteo Manassero. The 16 year old Italian is set to become the youngest ever player to contend for the Masters and has earned high praise from his compatriot on the tour Mollinari, who claims he plays golf far beyond his years. He’s no stranger to Major competitions, becoming the youngest player to win the British Amateur title in 2009 and earning himself a T13 finish in the British Open in the same year, whilst recieving high praise from golfing legend Tom Watson. Wary of what would be a shock of preposterous proportions, Ladbrokes have him marked at 300/1.
At the risk of overshadowing a landmark event in the golfing calendar, Woods has pledged to put his previous indiscretions behind him and compete. The eventual media circus that followed him was ever so predictable, badges allowing entry to the prestigious course trading for just under 10,000USD.
Tiger will be looking to make this Major number 15, but it might just come too soon for Woods to find his rhythm after such a period out of the game and consistently find the shots on what is an extremely challenging course. Of course, nobody knows this course better than Woods, winning this tournament no less than four times previously. Phil Mickelson spoke at great length about fully expecting a Tiger challenge, but he probably didn’t see his practice round...
With Woods having to contend with mounting pressure and press coverage, this year could prove to be the best chance for an Englishman to reign supreme and look no further than Paul Casey. The world number six believes it’s about time an Englishman won a Major for the first time since Faldo in ’96, and he probably possesses the best chance coming into Augusta in fine form. He may have pulled out of the Houston event last week, citing an injury to his neck and shoulder, but it should stand up having been rested.
Other notable English golfers who will harbour Major hopes are Ian Poulter, so confident of a win he pulled out of his practice round after nine holes so not to miss any of Arsenal’s Champions League game against Barcelona, and Lee Westwood, who placed third in two Majors last year and will look to build upon his European Golfer of the Year award.
The Big Easy is also a major contender for this tournament as he’ll look to add the Masters to his cabinet of Major wins. Els, now 40, is another golfer who enters Augusta playing some excellent golf and won the Bay Hill event last week to prove his crudentials and this has been reinforced by his classification as third favourite, just behind Woods and Mickelson.
A rank outsider with a good chance to place is KJ Choi. He has previous on this course, finishing third in 2004 and is now more than experienced to deal with the pressure of a continued charge. He’s been paired with Woods for the opening round, but at 40 years old he’s too long in the tooth to let the extensive media coverage get to him.
A European worthy of a flutter is Edoardo Mollinari. The Italian, who competes with his brother Francesco in doubles events, is a former Amatuer champion and finished as runner up to Els in the Bay Hill event. He’s capable of long drives and is a neat and tidy golfer, vital for this course. Choi enters in at 66/1, whereas Mollinari is further back at 150/1 and is well worth at least £1 each way.
Away from title contention, spare a thought for Matteo Manassero. The 16 year old Italian is set to become the youngest ever player to contend for the Masters and has earned high praise from his compatriot on the tour Mollinari, who claims he plays golf far beyond his years. He’s no stranger to Major competitions, becoming the youngest player to win the British Amateur title in 2009 and earning himself a T13 finish in the British Open in the same year, whilst recieving high praise from golfing legend Tom Watson. Wary of what would be a shock of preposterous proportions, Ladbrokes have him marked at 300/1.
