Course: Augusta National. It doesn't get any better then this. While the easiest of courses they will play in the major circuit, the iconic nature of the course can actually get into a players head. Fairways are wide open in most spots, but putting is absolutely crucial.
Strength Of Field: A-. I would love to give this event the highest score possible, the fact that there is no Tiger, coupled with the fact that there are only 97 players competing, and several of them are amateurs and past champions past their prime, and it just can't be considered the "best field in golf." In fact, the nature of all the majors make it so they aren't necessarily the best fields, but that doesn't make them easier to win. In fact, the Masters may be the hardest golf tournament to win, so the strength of field means nothing.
-I am doing something different this week. Instead of doing a typical "Fantasy Four", I am going to give four contenders, a sleeper, a dark horse, and my eventual champion. Difference between a "sleeper" and a "dark horse" - a sleeper is someone who has performed moderately well this season, and who wouldn't shock the world if they won. A dark horse comes from way down the field list.
The Contenders:
4) Jason Day - Would be my champion, but being out since his win at the match play with a thumb injury scares me. Has been close here on several occasions, and appears to be the next in line to win a major championship. His first round will tell the story of his week - if he shoots something in the 60's, he may very well be winning a green jacket.
3) Phil Mickelson - Has had a pretty awful 2014 season, but like Tiger, you can never count him out at Augusta National. With this being a wide open event, and all of the players at the top having question marks surrounding them, Lefty could very well sneak in for his fourth jacket. Last week was his best week this season.
2) Adam Scott - Playing well entering this week, but the stresses of being the defending champion can not be overstated. Should be at or near the top of the leaderboard heading into Sunday.
1) Rory McIlroy - Will one day wear a green jacket, and is entering this tournament with far more confidence then we've seen previously. Whether or not he wins will depend on his accuracy off the tee, and where his head is going into the weekend. Hasn't been in position to win a major since his triumph at the 2012 PGA Championship.
Sleeper:
Hideki Matsuyama - Returned home to Japan to graduate college and rest, which may be exactly what he needed after some weak results in February and March. Made the cut twice as an amateur, once being the low amateur. Hasn't finished outside the top 20 in all three majors as a pro.
Dark Horse:
Fred Couples - No matter how old Fred gets, I always expect to see him on the leaderboard on Sunday. Has had an incredibly strong Champions Tour season heading into this week. Experience is incredibly important at Augusta National, and Fred knows where to put the ball here.
Champion:
Sergio Garcia - Peaking at the right time. Adam Scott's victory last year was the perfect example of someone finally cashing in on their promise, and I expect Sergio to do the same this year. If he's ever to win a major, this may be the year for him to do so.
Last Weeks Team:
Ryo Ishikawa: T31
Retief Goosen: T7
Ryan Palmer: T7
J.B. Holmes: T12
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