With the Masters starting tonight at Augusta National, Sport360° looks at the five stars who are favourite to take home the Green Jacket this year.
Adam Scott (AUS)
The hugely-talented Aussie is good enough to become the first back-to-back Masters winner after Tiger Woods (2001 and ‘02). Scott heads to Augusta National in great shape – his game is in superb condition (despite the last-round wobble at the Arnold Palmer Invitational), he is fresh and he is hungry. A win would not only help him match Woods, but also snatch his world No1 crown.
Henrik Stenson (SWE)
World Ranking: 3
Best Masters finish: 17 (2007, 2008)
Last three results coming into the Masters: T54, T5, T16
In numbers: 69 – Lowest round at Augusta National with 9 sub-par rounds, 8 – Masters played with 5 cuts made
Stenson’s not been as dominant as he was in the second half of 2013, but he’s promised to wake up soon, and Augusta would be as good a place as any to do that. A win could take him to No1 in the world, so that would be an added motivation. Never finished in the top-15, but he believes he has finally understood the demands of the golf course. Would be a fantastic first Major if he wins.
Rory McIlroy (NIR)
World Ranking: 9
Best Masters finish: 15 (2011)
Last three results coming into the Masters: T7, T25, T2
In numbers: 65 – Lowest round at Augusta National with 9 sub-par rounds, 5 – Masters played and 4 cuts made
The scene of the greatest disaster of his career (who can forget the heartbreaking 80 on the Sunday of 2011's edition?) can become the place where the 24-year-old resurrects his career. McIlroy been playing well again since the end of last year, and a flawless final-round 65 at the Shell Houston Open will give him a lot of confidence going into the first Major of the season.
Phil Mickelson (USA)
World Ranking: 5
Best Masters finish: Champion (2004, 2006, 2010)
Last three results coming into the Masters: T12, WD, T16
In numbers: 65 – Lowest round at Augusta National with an incredible record of 45 sub-par rounds, 21 – Masters played and 20 cuts made
Barring Tiger Woods, no one handles the tough Augusta National course better than Lefty in contemporary golf. Thankfully, the scare regarding his oblique muscles strain is over, and he had a decent outing at Houston. It is said nothing helps you better at the Masters than experience and with 21 previous outings on the golf course, Mickelson is well-equipped in that department.
Zach Johnson (USA)
World Ranking: 10
Best Masters finish: Champion (2007)
Last three results coming into the Masters: T6, T43, T16
In numbers: 68 – Lowest round at Augusta National with 11 sub-par rounds, 9 – Masters played, making 6 cuts
After winning three tournaments in six starts around the end and beginning of the year, Johnson seems to have cooled down a bit, but a sixth place at the Valero Texas Open less than a fortnight ago proves he is gathering steam once again. The American, champion in 2007, may not hit the ball long, but his exceptional iron play and short game will always give him a chance at Augusta National.
