We highlight the players whose form and experience mean they are poised to go far in the first major of the year at Augusta
The first major of the year is always a great spectacle and this year’s US Masters at Augusta looks no different.
With several big names at the fore and plenty of outsiders in with a chance, here is a shortlist of seven players who will likely still be fighting it out for the top spots by the time of the final round.
This 22-year-old Texan requires little introduction.
With his two appearances at Augusta producing a win and a tie for second he should have every chance once again.
The defending champion is arguably the most talented player in the field and will take some stopping if he putts the same way he did last year.
With four top-20 finishes and a tournament win in January, 2016 could well be another memorable year for the young star.
Could this finally be the time we see DJ – who has ten top-10 finishes including three last year – win his first major championship?
When playing at his best the American can make the game look easy.
He also has the ability to drive further than most of his competitors, which is a huge asset around Augusta.
Coming off a third in the Shell Houston Open last week, he is also in good form and he seeks to break his duck.
Rose is the shortest-priced English player in the field and has solid credentials for the week ahead.
Firstly, he is a previous major winner after triumphing at the 2013 US Open.
Secondly, he has shown an aptitude for Augusta in the past – including a tie for second last year.
He has been in solid form this year with two top-ten finishes and he certainly has the game to compete at the highest level.
Oosthuizen is another with a major win to his name thanks to the 2010 Open Championship, and has come close in several more since with two second-place finishes last year.
He may have missed the cut at the Shell Houston Open last week, but that is excusable given the amount of rounds he played in the WGC Match Play event the week before.
He finished second in that event, an achievement that added to his promising year so far after recording a win in a European Tour event in February.
Danny Willett made his first appearance at Augusta last year and will be all the better for the experience.
He is a very solid player who is improving all the time after winning on the European Tour this year.
The 28-year-old is going from strength to strength and could have a big say this week.
This price looks huge value for a player who has made six straight cuts at Augusta.
He has also been steadily improving in his last five starts in The Masters, with a highest-ever finishing position of a tie for twelfth last year.
He has been in solid form recently with a play-off defeat at the Valspar Championship last month, and if he can continue his upward curve then he will certainly go close.
The Spaniard is another player who looks generously priced this week.
His recent form has been terrific with four top-4 finishes in the calendar year, including two – at the WGC Match Play and Shell Houston Open – in the last two events he has played.
Currently second in the European Tour’s ‘Race To Dubai,’ he has been playing some sensational golf recently and could make a big impression on debut at Augusta.
Odds and amounts correct at time of publication but subject to change. See site for latest.
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