The Masters Tournament at Augusta: Ben Coley's player-by-player guide
Ben Coley provides a guide to every player in the field ahead of the Masters, which begins at Augusta National on Thursday.
- All odds quoted via Sky Bet and correct at 2000 BST ON 26/03/18; subject to change
APHIBARNRAT, Kiradech
Masters form: 15
Globetrotting Thai climbed 40 places in the world rankings in four starts to end last year, thus earning a return to Augusta. Finished 15th on 2016 debut and, now back on an upwards trajectory, is the sort you could envisage popping up on the leaderboard. Hard as nails and an unlikely pal of two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, which could help if he can bag a practice round. Highlight this year his win in the World Super 6 in iron-man fashion and yes, it is a real thing.
BERGER, Daniel
Masters form: 10-27
Aggressive young man who has finished 10th and 27th in two Augusta starts, latterly bagging that sub-70 round the trends men will tell you is a must. Plays well most weeks, although two of the three cuts he's missed since last winning on the PGA Tour came in majors and so far he's proven just shy of top-class. Don't try telling him that, mind.
BRYAN, Wesley
Masters form: Debut
Mauve-trousered Masters debutant who won the week after last year's renewal. That victory came on a short, coastal track which is suited to his straight-hitting, deadly-putting game, and having struggled with driver to the extent that he's tried to avoid using one, it's hard to envisage a turnaround on this golf course. Look to take him on wherever you can.
CABRERA, Angel
Masters form: MC-10-9-15-MC-MC-8-37-25-1-18-7-32-2-MC-22-24-MC
The one your mate who knows loads about golf tells you is 'always worth a cheeky bet'. He isn't.
CABRERA-BELLO Rafa
Masters form: 17-MC
Hyphen or no hyphen? Hard to say, but the Masters website has a hyphen and I don't want to ruin my prospects of accreditation in 2019. Anyway, Rafa has muscles on his muscles and one must remember to remain focused on golf when he appears on screen with his brother caddie. What lineage. (Hits it well, putting better, bit rubbish at chipping, go well for a time having bagged two top-sixes this year)
CANTLAY, Patrick
Masters form: 47
Was Jordan Spieth when Jordan Spieth was still 12 years old, but serious injury setbacks threatened to end his career before it had started. Returned to the Tour last year and has been sensational since, bagging a first win, contending in elite fields and generally looking like the stone cold killer he was meant to be. Made the cut here as an amateur and returns as a professional bound to contend for majors one day. Hasn't missed a cut in years.
CASEY, Paul
Masters form: 6-MC-10-11-20-MC-38-MC-6-4-6
I rang Casey for this one. He said, "Put, Paul is refreshingly laid back for a player of such capabilities." (Note: this is a joke; I did not, have not, probably will never speak to PC). Scored his first PGA Tour win since 2009 while we were all busy watching Tiger Woods at the Valspar. Truth be told that was due reward for his re-dedication and with two top-six finishes in his last two Augusta visits, he looks a big player.
CHAPPELL, Kevin
Masters form: 44-7
Infuriating sort who leaves himself 10 feet for birdie on basically every hole but really struggles from that point onward. It hasn't stopped him contending for majors and he was seventh on just his second Augusta start last year. Plus, lots of dodgy putters have gone well and even won the Masters. There is a case to be made for Chappell, no doubt, although withdrawal from the Match Play with a back injury undermines it somewhat.
COOK, Austin
Masters form: Debut
PGA Tour rookie who wasted no time getting off the mark with a dominant display at the RSM Classic late last year. A bit like Bryan (although Cook is probably superior), that win came on a course better suited to his game than Augusta National and he'll likely struggle to get competitive despite having held his form fairly well since.
COUPLES, Fred
Masters form: 32-10-10-31-5-11-5-35-1-21-10-15-7-2-27-11-26-36-28-6-39-3-30-MC-MC-6-15-12-13-20-MC-18
The other one your mate tells you is always worth a cheeky bet. Walk away - even the first-round leader punt is money down the drain these days.
DAY, Jason
Masters form: 2-WD-3-20-28-10-22
Looked like he had the most complete game in golf when dominating in 2015, a period which included his first and so far only major championship. Back to his best this year after a difficult 2017 off the course, and didn't take him long to register a win at one of his old favourites, Torrey Pines. Augusta falls into the same bracket and he's already had two chances to win here, so looks an obvious contender. If you do fancy him, don't listen when he tells you he's got a cold, or slept funny, or is missing a vertebra. He's fine.
DECHAMBEAU, Bryson
Masters form: 21
Returns for his second crack after contending as an amateur in 2016. Following that effort, which ended in a respectable share of 21st, he quickly snapped up a PGA Tour card and secured his first win last summer. More recently, went down all guns blazing to Rory McIlroy at Bay Hill and on that form looks a sneaky outsider having also contended in Phoenix. All we need is the air density to be at a desirable level and his quadratus lumborum to hold out. Hard to put a price on that.
DUFNER, Jason
Masters form: 30-24-20-MC-49-MC-33
Pot-bellied former PGA champion who, statistically speaking, finishes 17th a lot. That's because he stripes it but doesn't like putting, which is a bit of an issue for a professional golfer. That said, he's done what most will never do and actually won a major championship, while his Memorial victory last summer bodes well for Augusta given how fast those greens are. Main concern is that his streak of 70-plus rounds here stands at 14 and it'll need to end if he's to win.
ELLIS, Harry
Masters form: Debut
One of six amateurs in the field after last year's victory in the Amateur Championship and currently sits inside the world's top 50. Hard to know how he'll adapt to this challenge but likely to get some help from Justin Rose in the build-up and it all helps. Since 2010, just two winners of the Amateur Championship have made the cut here but Ellis warmed up by winning the nearby Georgia Cup in a hack canter and could just about make the weekend.
FINAU, Tony
Masters form: Debut
Virile so-and-so who appears to be one of the most popular players on the circuit. Only won a fairly minor event in Puerto Rico to date, but in just seven major starts he's bagged three top-20 finishes, which offers encouragement ahead of his Augusta debut. His power and the strength of his performances over the last 12 months suggest that he will relish this opportunity and perhaps add to that haul without threatening to win, something he's done consistently this year.
FISHER, Ross
Masters form: 30-MC-15-47-41
Back to the form which made him a fairly regular major contender almost a decade ago - at least he was, at the end of 2017 and the start of 2018. But since bagging another runner-up finish in Abu Dhabi - his third in six starts - he's gone a little cool and there wasn't much to shout about in the Match Play. Four cuts made in five visits to Augusta, with a best of 15th in 2011, but must improve quickly to better that.
FITZPATRICK, Matthew
Masters form: MC-7-32
Narrowly missed the cut here as an amateur in 2014, but put that experience to use when seventh on his next visit and bagged a respectable 32nd last year. Clearly, then, his lack of length isn't too much of a hindrance and that's probably because he's one of the best mid-iron players in the game at his best, and he makes putts. Form of late has been worrying but he so often springs to life from nowhere and is a big-time talent capable of winning majors. Not one to dismiss as Sheffield seeks its second win in three years.
FLEETWOOD, Tommy
Masters form: MC
One of the most likeable players in the game, whose attitude has been an enormous factor in his sharp rise through the ranks which started in January 2017. Winning good events against strong fields and contended at the US Open last summer, before a pretty impressive top-30 in the Open Championship given the pressure he was under. Solid most weeks in 2018, including another win and contending on US soil, and only concern would be rounds of 78 and 74 on his debut in this event last year. Should better that and then some.
FOWLER, Rickie
Masters form: 38-27-38-5-12-MC-11
Will hope to follow Sergio Garcia in ending his major hoodoo here at Augusta National. Fowler's is of course far less dramatic and he'll have plenty more chances over the coming years, given that he putts so well and basically has no flaws bar a so-so strike-rate for one of his status. That remains something of a worry but less so than the swing changes he spoke of at the Arnold Palmer, which perhaps contributed to another disappointing Sunday finish. Questions to answer at the price. It was ever thus.
FRITTELLI, Dylan
Masters form: Debut
No relation to mediocre British band of the same name, this gentle South African has climbed from the bottom of the Challenge Tour to the world's top 50 having appeared set to fall off the face of the earth a couple of years ago. Two wins on the European Tour last year plus some excellent performances at a higher level have earned that position and he has the type of through-the-bag game which should ensure that he sticks around for a long time. Went to college with Jordan Spieth at Texas so these conditions far from alien and seems unlikely to disgrace himself.
GARCIA, Sergio
Masters form: 38-40-MC-8-28-4-MC-46-MC-MC-38-45-35-12-8-CUT-17-34-1
Defending Masters champion. YES!
GHIM, Doug
Masters form: Debut
Looks the real deal and currently among the best amateurs in world golf, which is nice because the game could do with an elite player named Doug.
GRACE, Branden
Masters form: 18-MC-MC-MC-27
Prolific at a slightly lower level and put in an impressive display to win the Nedbank last year, an event dubbed 'Africa's major'. Appreciate there will be readers who've never heard of it, nor runner-up Scott Jamieson, but the roll-of-honour is littered with major champions and victory meant a great deal to Grace. Having held his form well since, suspect he'll show up in a major yet again at some point soon - although Augusta is surely the least suited to his game. Record of three missed cuts in five and a best of 18th says as much (top-six in all three other majors).
HADWIN, Adam
Masters form: 36
Looked like he had a future when contending for the Canadian Open a few years ago and has climbed the ladder since, including a first PGA Tour success early last year. Few flaws in his game and the fact he made the cut and climbed into 36th on debut here suggests he's a sneaky outsider, despite an obvious lack of power. A good thing for top Canadian, if there is another Canadian in the field, having secured three top-10 finishes this year.
HARMAN, Brian
Masters form: MC
Two-time PGA Tour winner who knows how to take down a big name, as he demonstrated when doing a job on Rory McIlroy at the Match Play and holding off the likes of Dustin Johnson to win the second of those titles last summer. Also contended for the US Open (2nd) and stayed on for 13th in the PGA Championship, so can be fancied to better a missed cut here on his first competitive visit two years ago. Georgia through and through.
HATTON, Tyrrell
Masters form: MC
Angry young man who would've benefited from the loving arm of a Robin Williams-type figure at school. Still, he's done alright for himself and keeps surprising me as he proves that his game works just about anywhere. Very impressive when holing a putt to win the Italian Open late last year and can be forgiven for a less impressive effort on the final green in Mexico recently. Missed the cut in all four majors last year but better judged on two top-10s in 2016.
HENLEY, Russell
Masters form: MC-31-21-11
Another Georgia man who knows how to win and putts particularly well. The biggest positive, though, is his progressive and impressive Augusta form, which currently reads MC-31-21-11. Fans of a sequence will no doubt be piling on at three-figure prices and you might as well bet win-only - those numbers speak for themselves. Then again, he's been a little out of sorts this year. Will always be my favourite non-fictional Russell regardless. Favourite fictional Russell you ask? Why the one from Wayne's World, of course.
HOFFMAN, Charley
Masters form: 27-9-29-22
First-round leader here last year and looked like bursting clear of the pack during round two, before someone evidently told him about it. Still had a chance going into Sunday and in four visits to Augusta, has twice been inside the top five and never outside the top 30 with a round to go. That's a seriously impressive return and a nagging back injury only serves to further my belief that he's the new Fred Couples, only slightly less attractive and without a green jacket.
HORSCHEL, Billy
Masters form: 37-MC-17
Hasn't kicked on since winning the FedEx Cup a couple of years ago, although in fairness there have been off-course distractions far more important than this ridiculously silly sport. On the course, a troublesome putter places a heck of a lot of pressure on his stellar long game and that remains the issue holding him back. Once hit every green in a US Open round at Merion, which is gravestone-worthy stuff, but slight worry he peaked young and has been abysmal lately.
IKEDA, Yuta
Masters form: 29-MC-MC
Fairly frequent winner in Japan who has so far failed to carry that form overseas, despite the odd glimmer. Finished a very solid 29th on his debut here in 2010 but didn't break 70 and two missed cuts subsequently leave him with plenty to prove.
IMMELMAN, Trevor
Masters form: 56-MC-5-MC-55-1-20-14-15-60-50-MC-MC-MC-MC
Ten years since he defied a closing 75 to win the Masters by three shots from one Tiger Woods. A little bit better lately but while he's still the right side of 40, it's five years since he won an event of any note and I'm afraid that looks to be that. Four missed cuts in succession here so will rightly be a big price in all markets.
JOHNSON, Dustin
Masters form: 30-38-38-13-MC-6-4
Fell (or was he pushed?) down the stairs when heading into last year's renewal at the top of his game, capable seemingly of beating anyone, anywhere. One year on and he's not in quite the same shape although no reason to be particularly worried, despite several short misses with the putter at the Match Play. Remember, his stroke play form this year shows a win and a second and his worst performance was 16th at Riviera. Augusta record one of steady improvement and still rates one of the more likely winners as he seeks a second major title.
JOHNSON, Zach
Masters form: MC-32-1-20-MC-42-MC-32-35-MC-9-MC-MC
Two-time major champion, including here when somehow taking advantage of unseasonably wet conditions and putting his wedge game to use. Hasn't won since the 2015 Open Championship but there have been some encouraging signs this year, so much so that when the putter warms up for four days I think he'll win. That said, this is far, far more likely to happen in a low-key event in Texas than it is here at Augusta, where he is increasingly hamstrung by a lack of power and has missed back-to-back cuts.
KAYMER, Martin
Masters form: MC-MC-MC-MC-44-35-31-MC-49-16
Another two-time major winner - in fact it's a career grand slam between Kaymer and Zach Johnson. Like Johnson, Kaymer has struck the ball pretty well over the last six months but some issues around and on the greens continue to hold him back. He's winless since the 2014 US Open which, for a player once considered the most ruthless on the Tour, speaks to some issues which remain unresolved. Long since given up on honing his game for Augusta and all things considered looks an unlikely contender in the even less likely event that he tees off having sustained a wrist injury at the Honda Classic.
KIM, Si-woo
Masters form: MC
Talented youngster who has two PGA Tour wins to his name, both under conditions which share some similarities with Augusta. Made it to the last-16 of the Match Play recently albeit via a friendly group, and was outclassed against Justin Thomas once there. Remains difficult to know what to expect week-to-week but the fact that he signed off with a round of 81 on his debut here last spring suggests the bar should be set low for now.
KISNER, Kevin
Masters form: 37-43
Surprise finalist at the WGC-Match Play, beating Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter and Alex Noren before a feeble effort in the final against Bubba Watson. That was a massive step in the right direction for a player with Ryder Cup aspirations, but while he's made the cut at Augusta, his local track and one he knows well, a best of 37th and no under-par rounds in eight demonstrate the task he faces. Hits it straight and putts well and wouldn't be one to take on in three-balls, but nor is he tempting outright wager.
KIZZIRE, Patton
Masters form: Debut
Easily saw off Rickie Fowler to win his first PGA Tour title in Mexico late last year and wasted no time in doubling up at the Sony Open. Off the boil a little since then but wouldn't have been particularly suited to some of the events on the west coast and did play reasonably well in patches at the Match Play. Can be wayward off the tee but that's not too much of a concern at Augusta, where his putting will keep him in the ball game. Live contender in the betting for top debutant.
KODAIRA, Satoshi
Masters form: Debut
Couple of runner-up finishes on the Asian Tour earlier this year, including behind Sergio Garcia in Singapore, but shot 75-77 at the Arnold Palmer then struggled at the Match Play. Unlikely to be a factor on debut.
KUCHAR, Matt
Masters form: 21-50-CUT-24-27-3-8-5-46-24-4
Proof that you don't need to blast it 300-plus to be a factor at Augusta, having made 10 cuts in 11 and three times finished inside the top 10, including fourth a year ago. Hasn't been quite at his best this spring but did make the knockout stages in the Match Play, where beaten by eventual runner-up Kevin Kisner, and that gives him something to work with. Good at ping pong, bad at swearing, easily surprised.
LANGER, Bernhard
Masters form: MC-31-1-16-7-9-26-7-32-31-1-25-31-36-7-39-11-28-6-32-MC-4-20-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-25-8-MC-24-MC
Sets the standard on the Champions Tour - or did, until Steve Stricker turned 50 - and contended here as recently as 2014, when a closing 69 had him on the fringes of the frame. Biggest concern would be a fairly quiet start to the season prior to last week's closing 66 for second, although still capable of showing up for a time and will doubtless be popular in the top senior market. Would be a bet against Kaymer to be the leading German player if they both turn up.
LEISHMAN, Marc
Masters form: MC-4-MC-MC-43
Watched on as compatriot Adam Scott holed a lengthy putt on the final green here, before going on to beat Angel Cabrera in a play-off. Has since proven himself a fairly regularly major contender, particularly in the Open Championship where he probably should've won the 2015 edition. Stepped up a gear late last year to win a FedEx Cup Playoff event and has done little wrong since, bagging a series of top-10 finishes including when defending at Bay Hill. Adds definite strength to the Aussie challenge.
LI, Hao-tong
Masters form: Debut
Popular young Chinese player who is leading the way for his country at the moment - with plenty more to follow. Stunning final-round 63 earned him a top-three finish at the Open last summer and for a brief moment, around the time Jordan Spieth was trying to find the owner of a red Nissan Juke, it looked as though he might even have a chance. Hit-and-miss since, but impressed in fending off Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic and the last two winners of that event have gone on to take the season's first major. See: coincidence.
LIN, Yuxin
Masters form: Debut
Winner of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, a fiercely competitive event, but hasn't looked ready for anything like this sort of challenge just yet. Did bag an encouraging Challenge Tour top-10 late last year but faces an uphill struggle to make the weekend.
LYLE, Sandy
Masters form: 48-28-MC-25-11-17-1-MC-MC-MC-37-21-38-MC-MC-34-MC-48-MC-MC-MC-MC-37-MC-MC-43-45-20-MC-MC-MC-54-44-MC-MC-MC
Now 60, Lyle hasn't made a cut here since 2014 and he's failed to break 80 twice in his last four spins and 12 times overall in his Masters career. It's to be hoped that on what's expected to be his final appearance, some 30 years on from that famous win, he can keep things respectable.
MATSUYAMA, Hideki
Masters form: 27-54-MC-5-7-11
Carries the weight of a nation with many considering it a matter of when, not if he becomes a major champion. Certainly capable - in fact, as demonstrated at Firestone last year and at various other points, when his putter fires he can be impossible to live with. Augusta record is a positive with finishes of fifth, seventh and 11th on his last three visits and has the potential to prove over-priced, having missed much of the spring with a nagging injury as others stole the headlines. That said, there have been few really positive signs in just two starts since returning to action.
Sky Bet: Back Hideki Matsuyama each-way for the Masters and get paid out if he's 10th or better
MCILROY, Rory
Masters form: 20-MC-15-40-25-8-4-10-7
Burst back to life with a sensational back-nine at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, winning for the first time since 2016 having endured injury issues last year. That was a timely reminder of this absurd talent who, let us not forget, has more majors than all of his contemporaries and will surely add to his collection at some point. Comes here in search of a grand slam, but such is the depth at the top of the sport that it doesn't feel like too much of a burden at the moment and his exit at the Match Play may help on that front, too. Must get off to a better start as he looks to bury the ghosts of 2011, the only time he's opened with a sub-70 round and the only time he's looked like he might actually win this thing.
MICKELSON, Phil
Masters form: 46-34-7-3-MC-12-6-7-3-3-3-1-10-1-24-5-5-1-27-3-54-MC-2-MC-22
Ended a winless run stretching back as far as the 2013 Open when beating Justin Thomas in a play-off for the WGC-Mexico Championship, proving that there's life after Bones as brother Tim carries the bag instead. Current statistical formula - just about keeping it on the planet off the tee, hitting it close and making everything - is an exceptionally good fit for Augusta, where he's a three-time winner and was second to Spieth in 2015. Plenty to recommend him if you can get your head around the idea of a 47-year-old winner. I still don't know what 'Figjam' means.
This is of course the go to Phil gif. But can we talk about how he winks with both eyes? pic.twitter.com/63fj8BVopy
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) March 26, 2018
MIYAZOTO, Yusaku
Masters form: Debut
Showed some quality in the Match Play without making any progress and is likely to struggle on his Masters debut, particularly with putter in hand.
MIZE, Larry
Masters form: 11-47-16-1-45-26-14-17-6-21-3-MC-23-30-CUT-23-25-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-42-MC-MC-30-MC-MC-MC-MC-51-MC-52-52
It's to his immense credit that he's made the weekend on his last two visits and, unlike Lyle, has consistently broken 80. In fact his streak of rounds in the 70s now stands at 25 and if he extends it to 27, that could be enough to again play the final two rounds. Not bad as he approaches his 60th birthday and don't assume he's going to prove cannon fodder in three-balls (although he probably is).
MOLINARI, Francesco
Masters form: 30-MC-19-MC-50-33
Serious sort who you suspect makes a solid tenor in his spare time. On the course, has a no-frills game which matches his persona and it's carried him to great success, including two victories in his national championship, a WGC and a couple of Ryder Cup appearances. It also takes him into contention in majors from time to time, but surely not this one. There are few major courses where his accuracy and cautiousness are less of an asset.
MOORE, Ryan
Masters form: 45-13-14-35-38-MC-12-MC-9
Eight starts this season and solid throughout most of them, including when fifth in the Arnold Palmer Invitational recently. Finished a mighty 13th as an amateur here in 2005 and more recently has sat close to the lead on a couple of occasions, including last year before a final-round 74 saw him fall to ninth. Game looks in good shape and won't be scared of these greens, so must have a chance of hitting the frame.
NIEMANN, Joaquin
Masters form: Debut
Looks a very bright young talent and possibly the man to beat in the battle to be the leading amateur. Could be a real game-changer for golf in his native Chile and this isn't his first major - he missed the cut at Erin Hills last summer. Shot a final-round 64 for 29th in the Greenbrier Classic soon after and one to watch with the future in mind having impressed to earn his place here back in January.
NOREN, Alex
Masters form: MC
Ex-blogger, now genuine member of the world's elite and should've been in the Match Play final, missing a couple of very good chances before losing to Kevin Kisner. Suspect he'd have done a better job of giving Bubba a game, too. Having dedicated himself to the US this year, has also lost a play-off for the Farmers Insurance Open and contended twice in Florida. Fact that he hits almost everything left-to-right would be a concern at Augusta, where he shot 74-78 last year, but don't rule out significant improvement from one of the hardest workers and nicest people in the game. Looks like 'Dollar' Bill Stearn from Showtime hit Billions.
Sky Bet: Masters odds
- 8/1 Rory McIlroy
- 9/1 Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods
- 10/1 Justin Thomas
- 12/1 Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose
- 14/1 bar
Odds correct at 2000 BST on 26/03/18 and subject to change
O'MEARA, Mark
Masters form: MC-24-48-24-39-11-MC-27-4-21-15-31-18-30-1-31-MC-20-MC-8-27-31-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-22-MC-MC
Defied an opening 74 to win here two decades ago and was 22nd in 2015, but missed the last two cuts with a best round of 77. Having done little of note on the Champions Tour for the best part of two years, he has no chance.
OLAZABAL, Jose Maria
Masters form: MC-MC-8-13-2-42-7-1-14-12-12-1-MC-15-4-8-30-MC-3-44-MC-MC-MC-MC-50-34-MC-MC
Another veteran whose best days are long gone, although I'd wager he can still hit a four-iron with the best of them. Broke par in round two on his penultimate visit to Augusta and is nothing if not proud.
OOSTHUIZEN, Louis
Masters form: MC-MC-MC-2-MC-25-19-15-41
Runner-up here to Bubba Watson in 2013 and has also been second in the Open, the US Open and the PGA Championship. Is of course a major winner (2010 Open) and regularly finds his game during the weeks which matter most. Played nicely enough at the Match Play before losing to Ian Poulter and while it's risky to put faith in someone who travels with his own mattress due to back and neck injuries, there are many worse bets of those away from the top of the market. Made his last four cuts here and could be a factor despite low-key start to the year.
Just finished my career grand slam second's .. "I'll rise up" pic.twitter.com/083aRityWn
— Louis Oosthuizen (@Louis57TM) August 14, 2017
PARZIALE, Matt
Masters form: Debut
Firefighter by day, amateur golfer by... days off. Amazing, really, and will have the time of his life with his father Vic on the bag. Mid-Amateur winners like Parziale have a poor record in the Masters, as to be expected, but when you're battling roaring fires in Boston for a living this will surely feel like a treat rather than something to be afraid of. Quite clearly a man to admire.
PEREZ, Pat
Masters form: 45-MC-18
No longer a stark raving lunatic, apparently, which has doubtless contributed to a couple of (fairly low-key) PGA Tour wins since the back-end of 2016. Made his Masters return after eight years away in 2017 and fared well over the weekend to finish 18th, so while yet to break 70 at the course it's clear he can score here. It'd be fun to watch the Monday talk shows if he does somehow earn a green jacket.
PIETERS, Thomas
Masters form: 4
Stern-faced Belgian with an eye for the big-time, as demonstrated by performances such as his fourth place here last year. Hits the ball a mile and started this year with real purpose, so while he's tailed off a bit lately there's some hope that a return to Augusta will spark immediate improvement. Looked a certainty for a Ryder Cup place at one point but now faces a battle to make the side and needs to get back to his best. This is as good a place as any to do just that.
POTTER JR, Ted
Masters form: MC
Will go down as one of the hardest to explain winners of the year after holding off Dustin Johnson with ease to win at Pebble Beach. Always had a handy knack of producing his best golf when under intense pressure, but since that freak win in February he's gone back to shooting big numbers. Missed the cut on debut here five years ago and will struggle again. Either that or he'll win.
POULTER, Ian
Masters form: 31-33-13-25-20-10-27-7-MC-20-6-49
Added another chapter to chest-beating story of against-the-odds success with incredible Houston Open win, to earn Masters return. Looked right back to his best there and has a fine Augusta record, so must have a better chance than most last-gasp qualifiers if able to go again after such an emotionally draining week. Likes: fast cars, the Ryder Cup. Dislikes: when British Airways downgrade his nanny's seat.
RAHM, Jon
Masters form: 27
Spanish sensation who has wasted no time in winning four titles, each of them significant, including two over the last six months. Next step up the ladder is to go close in a major and he threatened to do so here on debut a year ago, fading to 27th having sat sixth at halfway. That experience won't be lost on him and while there are some nagging doubts around his patience for a test so significant, the overwhelming likelihood is that he wins majors fairly soon due to his freak talent and ability to close out when an opportunity arrives. Go very well, you'd think.
REAVIE, Chez
Masters form: MC-MC-MC
First played here in 2002 when a second-round 86 saw him make an early exit. Two subsequent visits not much better and his steady, accuracy-based game cuts little mustard at Augusta. That being said he's played some of the best golf of his life over the last year and might get closer to par without ever looking a factor. One to watch at Harbour Town and Colonial in the coming weeks, though, and if he makes the weekend here that's a massive plus.
REDMAN, Doc
Masters form: Debut
Sounds like a character from Back To The Future but considered one of the bright young talents in world golf, having won last summer's US Amateur. Similar world ranking to Ellis, to whom he lost the Georgia Cup.
REED, Patrick
Masters form: MC-22-49-MC
Getting on towards two years since Captain America won an event but that might change with the Ryder Cup on the horizon. He'd love it to be here (obviously) having been a star performer at Augusta State in his controversial amateur days, but a course record of MC-22-49-MC will need improving on. Sling draw and sharp short-game in theory an ideal formula around here but he's yet to prove it. Playing well, though, and personal best expected.
ROSE, Justin
Masters form: 39-22-5-36-20-11-8-25-14-2-10-2
The nicest man on the planet, and had anyone but Sergio beaten him to this title last year then we'd have all sobbed together. As to be expected, after a post-Augusta lull he ended the year playing the best golf of his life and the prospect of redemption will only intensify the focus of one of the strongest minds in the sport. Record at Augusta has long been exceptional and he's a likely contender once more. Away from the course, he's also the uncle of One Direction singer Niall Horan.
Congrats @TheSergioGarcia
— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) April 10, 2017
Incredible battle out there. Sport in the moment can be tough. But it's just sport. Hope you guys enjoyed it. pic.twitter.com/er7OzrdTgA
SCHAUFFELE, Xander
Masters form: Debut
Son of a German decathlete who had Olympic aspirations before a car accident forced a change of course, which included upping sticks to America and spawning the 2017 TOUR Championship winner. Schauffele junior in fact won twice on the PGA Tour last year, first with a clutch approach shot to the final hole of the Greenbrier Classic before an even more impressive victory at East Lake. Dangerous to assume inexperience of Augusta precludes this talented Californian from contending here on his Masters debut.
SCHWARTZEL, Charl
Masters form: 30-1-50-25-MC-38-MC-3
Opportunistic winner here in 2011 after Rory's collapse, making birdies at 15, 16, 17 and 18 to win by a couple. That performance was surely inspired by friend Louis Oosthuizen's Open triumph the previous summer, but while Oosthuizen has contended in several more majors, Charl has appeared destined to remain on one. Not quite sure what the missing link is as he slides outside the world's top 50 but was third here last year, not that I remember seeing him play a shot at any point.
SCOTT, Adam
Masters form: 9-23-MC-33-27-27-25-MC-18-2-8-1-14-38-42-9
Another former Masters champ who was helped by rain, Steve Williams, Jason Day and a few more as he got the better of Angel Cabrera in a 2013 play-off. That deserved victory followed on from a series of heartbreaking moments from a man who has surely broken a few hearts in his time. More recently, golf has taken a back seat to family although he's making all the right noises again and, gradually, the game is returning. Single-handedly keeping Uniqlo in business.
SHUBHANKAR, Sharma
Masters form: Debut
Superbly talented youngster who broke through to win the Joburg Open late last year, before adding a second European Tour victory in Malaysia with a come-from-behind success. Stepped up on both those efforts to contend in Mexico which proved enough to earn him an invite courtesy of the Masters committee. Impossible to understate the impact he could have on golf in his native India with a repeat of his Mexico showing and wouldn't totally rule it out, either.
SIMPSON, Webb
Masters form: 44-MC-MC-28-29-MC
Former US Open winner who looks a lot like Emil from Arvingerne. Three top-10 finishes this season having ended the last one in good shape but four titles came in a short space of time and the latest of them was five years ago. Still not convinced his recent improvement with the putter will last and six Masters starts offer little in the way of encouragement. Playing well enough to just about make the weekend but any more than that is hard to envisage.
SINGH, Vijay
Masters form: 27-MC-39-17-MC-24-1-18-7-6-6-5-8-13-14-30-MC-MC-27-38-37-54-MC-MC
The most consistent Masters performer around the turn of the century, his 2000 triumph followed by eight top-20 finishes in succession. Now 55 and recent form both here and elsewhere makes for ugly reading, but last year's top-20 at the PLAYERS is at least a positive to cling to.
SMITH, Cameron
Masters form: 55
Looks like he's stolen his dad's golf gear and climbed over the fence to get here, but is in actual fact another splendid Australian golfer who hit the frame in the US Open at Chambers Bay in 2015. That earned him a Masters spot for the following spring and despite lacking in experience, he made the cut and finished a solid 55th - something to work with on his return. Ended last year winning the Australian PGA Championship and continues to improve, while effort at the Match Play suggests the early-spring lull in form he appeared to suffer may be a thing of the past. Will play well without threatening to win.
SPIETH, Jordan
Masters form: 2-1-2-11
Justin Thomas's best friend but a decent enough player in his own right, having won this, the US Open and the Open Championship and all before his 24th birthday. Absurd achievements evidently not enough to convince everyone and there are many who will write him off here owing to some serious putting issues this year, which have undermined the quality of his long game. Wouldn't be one of them myself and it's perfectly possible that the missing piece of the jigsaw is simply a return to Augusta National, where he's led after half of his 16 rounds. Repeat: half of his 16 rounds. Even managed to go into round four as the man to beat last year having opened with a 75 and you write him off at your peril.
STANLEY, Kyle
Masters form: MC
Made the quarter-finals of the WGC-Match Play where his customary ball-striking was on show, but yet to make a mark in majors and missed the cut here on debut in 2012. Lovely chap but these greens will keep him awake at night.
STEELE, Brendan
Masters form: MC-27
Another who fared well enough at the Match Play and he's playing some of the best golf in his career, powered as ever by excellent driving. It was that which saw him contend for the PGA Championship at the end of his rookie season and five top-30 finishes from 13 major starts represents a decent return. No top-10s, though, and that probably sums things up quite nicely. Expect a solid, unspectacular performance.
STENSON, Henrik
Masters form: MC-17-17-38-MC-MC-40-18-14-19-24-MC
Having won the Open, finished third in the PGA and fourth in the US Open, a Masters record of zero top-10 finishes sounds the alarm. Hard to know exactly why that is, but his fairway-finding ability isn't as much of a weapon here as it can be elsewhere while he's always looked twitchy with putter in hand on slick greens, so perhaps that's it. Wouldn't totally rule out an improvement even at the grand old age of 41, as he's playing just about as well as ever, but on balance there are too many negatives to ignore. Middle name is Olaf, and once made a ball move by conjuring some form of magic spell. Disappointing in the mix at Bay Hill last time.
@NoLayingUp erm... #toursauce pic.twitter.com/IDqj9YgEAY
— Ben Coley (@BenColeyGolf) December 5, 2015
THOMAS, Justin
Masters form: 39-22
Come a very long way in a short space of time and while he was meant to be very good, you never know just how good until they go ahead and do it. Quickly learned from final-day struggles in the US Open to land the PGA Championship and more majors surely follow given that he's winning just about once every four starts at the moment. Did confess to finding the prospect of becoming world number one a big distraction as he lost his semi-final at the WGC-Match Play, but we can expect him to again learn quickly. Probably the man to beat given that he has no weaknesses and has been the best player in the world this year. Two Masters starts offer enough encouragement despite the fact he's yet to break 70, and should be a factor at some point.
VEGAS, Jhonattan
Masters form: MC-MC
Not to be confused with rotund UK comic of the same name. A tough competitor with three PGA Tour wins to his name but his major record, both here and elsewhere, is poor. Struggled a little lately and hard to fancy unless the event is switched to Canada at the 11th hour.
WALKER, Jimmy
Masters form: 8-38-29-18
Stargazing twitter troubadour who won the 2016 PGA Championship despite the best efforts of Jason Day. No small achievement for a player who some had considered incapable of winning any event once upon a time and it's unfortunate that some fairly serious health issues have stalled his career somewhat. Augusta record is excellent and this course doesn't punish his biggest weakness, so there's a chance he could go well despite being winless since that major triumph at Baltusrol.
WATSON, Bubba
Masters form: 20-42-38-1-50-1-38-37-MC
Favourite with FictionalBet, after two wins over the first three months of the year - including an imperious display in the Match Play. Interesting that the latter is now being considered extremely relevant form given that many label the event a crap-shoot beforehand, but no doubt the left-hander's confidence will be soaring and he did produce sublime golf there in Texas. Given that he's won this twice, that makes for a definite contender even if narrow-minded folks like me can't quite get to grips with the idea of Bubba Watson as three-time Masters champion. Will his short-game stand up to the pressure of Augusta? If it does, he's right up there whatever I may think.
WEIR, Mike
Masters form: 28-27-24-1-MC-5-11-20-17-46-43-MC-MC-MC-44-MC-MC-MC
There is another Canadian in the field! So, yes, back Hadwin to be top Canadian at 1/100. Nap.
WIESBERGER, Bernd
Masters form: 22-34-43
Beat Dustin Johnson at the Match Play but that may have been a false dawn as he failed to advance from the group. Has looked off-colour all year which is a shame given that he'd have been a definite dark horse for a Ryder Cup place, but there's now an increasingly strong suspicion that he'll forever be a good European Tour player who struggles to bridge the gap to this level - despite having contended for the 2014 PGA Championship.
WILLETT, Danny
Masters form: 38-1-MC
Brave winner of this two years ago and while he needed some help, hard not to be impressed by the shots he hit once Jordan Spieth opened the door. While a surprise champion, he had been gradually establishing himself as a global force and in a similar way to Walker, it's a shame he hasn't been able to build on it. Health issues have been a factor but he's also struggled technically and it remains to be seen whether Sean Foley can get him hitting it straight again. Too soon to write him off in the long-term, but feel comfortable doing so here.
WOODLAND, Gary
Masters form: 24-WD-26-MC-MC
Went nuts for a time here a couple of years ago but ultimately finished 26th, and still seeks a first major top 10. That said, has a top-25 in every one of them and does look the type to thrive at Augusta when the cards fall for him, which they may do following an overdue success in Phoenix earlier in the year. Effortless power and textbook swing can make players appear better than they are but I still have faith in Woodland despite some mediocre efforts of late. Outsider with a definite each-way chance if the putts drop.
WOODS, Tiger
Masters form: 41-MC-1-8-18-5-1-1-15-22-1-3-2-2-6-4-4-40-4-17
Imagine trying to do justice to Tiger Woods in four or five sentences. I'm not going to bother, so let's instead talk 2018 Tiger, a player who has contended for titles twice and looks to have most facets of his game in good working order. It's remarkable that he's back at this sort of level following spinal fusion surgery - most of us thought he was done playing golf, let alone to the levels he's found of late. Can he end a winless run of five years with victory in the Masters, in the processing landing his first major in a decade? It would be foolish to put it past him, despite a couple of worrying signs in contention of late including when going out-of-bounds at Bay Hill. Give Tiger Woods the benefit of the doubt, because he's earned it.
WOOSNAM, Ian
Masters form: MC-14-30-1-19-17-46-17-29-39-16-14-40-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-44-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC-MC
Deservedly inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame last year, more than a quarter of a century on from his victory here in 1991. Since turned 60 and will struggle to avoid a 10th Augusta missed cut in succession.
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