Which golfer will win the Green Jacket at Augusta National this year?
edit - (sp) on DiMarco
edit - (sp) on DiMarco
Last edited:
-
Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
- Thread starter BB73
- Start date
fourteenandoh
My swing feels like an unfolding lawn chair.
Who's this DeMarco guy? I'm spreading the weath on this one. DiMarco, Vijay, Ernie and "the field" I just hate picking Tiger becuase there's no fun in it.
Upvote
0
fourteenandoh
My swing feels like an unfolding lawn chair.
bigballin2987;803530; said:
I'd give you some but I'm runnin pretty low myself.
Upvote
0
You gotta like Tiger. He loves the course, knows how to play it, and has the nuts to take the pressure. There will be alot of competition though, and a better guess can be made Friday afternoon. Nantz will be pissed about this
though....
Round 1 groupings and tee times.
though....
Round 1 groupings and tee times.
Last edited:
Upvote
0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Who shouldI bet on?...Who should I bet on?....that is the question:
1. RETIEF GOOSEN
Age: 37.
Country: South Africa.
World Ranking: 3.
Worldwide victories: 26.
Majors: U.S. Open (2001, 2004)
Masters appearances: 7.
Best finish: 2.
Backspin: The last time Tiger Woods was such a heavy favorite at the Masters was in 2000, and the green jacket went to a 37-year-old from the southern hemisphere (Vijay Singh). Goosen is capable anywhere. His season started slowly, but he has been working hard and his game is coming together at the right time. This might be the year he gets a green jacket to go with those green trousers he wanted for his runner-up finish in 2002.
2. TIGER WOODS
Age: 30.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 1.
Worldwide victories: 58.
Majors: Masters (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005), U.S. Open (2000, 2002), British Open (2000, 2005), PGA Championship (1999, 2000).
Masters appearances: 11.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: One more green jacket and he's halfway home to the number of Masters wins (10) that Jack Nicklaus predicted. His father's battle with cancer will be a topic, although if his health were poor enough to cause Woods to lose focus, he probably wouldn't be at Augusta in the first place. And as good as Woods is at Augusta, he will need breaks. Everyone does. The last time he was a big favorite, his Masters was ruined by two holes -- a double bogey at No. 10 and a triple bogey at No. 12.
3. DAVID HOWELL
Age: 30.
Country: England.
World Ranking: 13.
Worldwide victories: 5.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 1.
Best finish: T11.
Backspin: Regarded by most as Britain's best player at the moment, with signature win coming last year in Shanghai when he beat a strong field and went toe-to-toe against Tiger Woods on the weekend. He made his Masters debut last year and was in contention until a 76 in the third round while paired with Woods. Known for hitting the key shot for Europe in the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills, a 6-iron into 8 feet on the par-3 17th.
4. DAVID TOMS
Age: 39.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 8.
Worldwide victories: 12.
Majors: PGA Championship (2001).
Masters appearances: 8.
Best finish: T6.
Backspin: Playing some of his best golf, with a victory at the Sony Open and in contention Sunday at Phoenix, Doral and Honda, with a solid performance at Match Play. In firm conditions, Augusta has a place for his game of medium-length tee shots, accurate irons and among the best putting strokes on tour. He once shared the record at Augusta with six straight birdies.
5. ERNIE ELS
Age: 36.
Country: South Africa.
World Ranking: 5.
Worldwide victories: 58.
Majors: U.S. Open (1994, 1997), British Open (2002).
Masters appearances: 12.
Best finish: 2.
Backspin: That carefree look on his face when he lost to Woods in a playoff at Dubai spoke volumes. Els cares only about the majors, and he is gearing himself up for Augusta. Knee still slightly sore, and he might not be ready to blossom until the early summer. But he should be in the mix. His biggest challenge at Augusta is not Woods, but the memories of coming close to the prize he covets.
6. CHAD CAMPBELL
Age: 31.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 20.
Worldwide victories: 3.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 3.
Best finish: T17.
Backspin: Asked to describe his length off the tee, Campbell compared himself with a steak -- medium, left on the grill an extra two minutes. His bread-and-butter is iron play, and the west Texan is a throwback the way he digs it out of the dirt. He is one of the hottest players early this year, with a win in Palm Springs and chances at Waialae and at Match Play. A good putter, becomes a great one when he starts seeing them go in.
7. PHIL MICKELSON
Age: 35.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 4.
Worldwide victories: 27.
Majors: Masters (2004), PGA Championship (2005).
Masters appearances: 13.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: Lefty has seven consecutive top 10s in the Masters, including that dramatic breakthrough in 2004 when his birdie on the 18th gave him his first major. Coming off a victory at the PGA Championship, he figures to be a factor at Augusta. But his game has been slightly off the first three months, primarily his putting. This was only the fourth time since he turned pro that he failed to win on the West Coast.
8. ROBERT ALLENBY
Age: 34.
Country: Australia.
World Ranking: 36.
Worldwide victories: 19.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 6.
Best finish: T29.
Backspin: He wasn't even in the Masters until winning the Triple Crown -- Australian Masters, Open and PGA -- late last year to surge into the top 50. An underachiever when it comes to the majors, and he would be the first to admit that. Perhaps the most talented of the current crop of Aussies, but his streaky putter and temper can get in the way. Has the power and shotmaking to contend.
9. VIJAY SINGH
Age: 43.
Country: Fiji.
World Ranking: 2.
Worldwide victories: 50.
Majors: Masters (2000), PGA Championship (1998, 2004).
Masters appearances: 12.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: Going through his longest drought without winning in four years, now up to 16 events on the PGA Tour that dates to August. Closed with a 77 in the final group at Sawgrass. He's still good enough to give himself a chance, but he needs a steady week with his driving and a great week putting -- and for his peace of mind, a tee time that doesn't put him behind Mickelson and those 8-millimeter spikes.
10. SERGIO GARCIA
Age: 26.
Country: Spain.
World Ranking: 6.
Worldwide victories: 16.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 7.
Best finish: T4.
Backspin: Hard to believe that at age 26, this is his eighth Masters. Missed the cut last year, perhaps a sign that he is too eager for a tournament where he feels he should contend. The latest concern (besides his putting) is his inability to close. He shot a 75 at Torrey Pines in the final group, and 78 at Sawgrass when he was one off the lead. Of the youngsters, he's the only one who consistently contends in the majors.
11. DAVIS LOVE III
Age: 41.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 16.
Worldwide victories: 19.
Majors: PGA Championship (1997).
Masters appearances: 16.
Best finish: 2.
Backspin: One look at his swing, and it's hard to believe he doesn't win more often. Lately at Augusta, he either finishes in the top 15 or misses the cut. Had an excellent chance to win Match Play, but failed to convert birdie chances on seven of his first 10 holes. Went from first to missing the cut at The Players Championship. Still has to be considered because of his driving and experience.
12. CHRIS DIMARCO
Age: 37.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 11.
Worldwide victories: 4.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 5.
Best finish: 2.
Backspin: He would love to join Gay Brewer as the only players to win a green jacket a year after losing in a playoff at the Masters. Given that he has gone more than four years without a PGA Tour victory, DiMarco might be linked to Tom Lehman, who played in the final group of the U.S. Open four straight years without winning. Has gotten off to a slow start this year after winning in Abu Dhabi, and missed The Players Championship with a minor rib injury from skiing.
13. JIM FURYK
Age: 35.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 7.
Worldwide victories: 12.
Majors: U.S. Open (2003).
Masters appearances: 9.
Best finish: 4.
Backspin: There is looking tough for TV, and there is Furyk's toughness. A classic grinder who doesn't make excuses, he has managed to contend at Augusta despite being of moderate length. Has started slowly this year, a few top 10s but no serious looks at a trophy. Should the Masters play firm and fast, it could bring him into the fold.
14. LUKE DONALD
Age: 28.
Country: England.
World Ranking: 10.
Worldwide victories: 4.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 1.
Best finish: T3.
Backspin: A classic swing hasn't produced many trophies, but Donald got off the hump at the Honda Classic with his second PGA Tour victory. Has positioned himself squarely among the top 15 in the world. He made a strong debut at Augusta National last year, tying for third in what amounted to the B-flight.
15. MIKE WEIR
Age: 35.
Country: Canada.
World Ranking: 43.
Worldwide victories: 9.
Majors: Masters (2003).
Masters appearances: 6.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: Even in a tough season for him last year, he played well at Augusta National. The '03 champion wonders now about the additional length, but if his short game is in order, he can contend. Primed to win at Pebble until his wedge game deserted him, and he lost the 4-up lead with four holes to play against eventual Match Play winner Geoff Ogilvy. Closed with a 79 at Sawgrass. The good news? He's on the right track.
16. GEOFF OGILVY
Age: 28.
Country: Australia.
World Ranking: 19.
Worldwide victories: 2.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: Rookie.
Best finish: N/A.
Backspin: Regarded as one of the most talented Aussies who didn't win enough because he got in his own way. Won in Tucson last year, which wasn't enough to get him into the Masters. Showed amazing grit by winning the Match Play, 10 times watching an opponent have a putt that would have knocked him out. Nearly won Honda the following week. Confidence is a powerful drug, and his game should be a good fit for Augusta.
17. MICHAEL CAMPBELL
Age: 37.
Country: New Zealand.
World Ranking: 21.
Worldwide victories: 15.
Majors: U.S. Open (2005).
Masters appearances: 5.
Best finish: Missed Cut.
Backspin: Hard to believe the Kiwi has never made it to the weekend at Augusta National, and no reason to think this year will be any different except that he is the U.S. Open champion. Started his year nicely, contending at the Mercedes Championships until folding late in the round. Confidence from that Pinehurst win might be fading.
18. COLIN MONTGOMERIE
Age: 42.
Country: Scotland.
World Ranking: 14.
Worldwide victories: 32.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 13.
Best finish: 8.
Backspin: A runner-up finish to Woods at St. Andrews gave him new life entering the twilight of his career. No reason to think he can contend at Augusta unless the fairways are running so fast that accuracy -- his hallmark -- is at an all-time premium. Then, of course, he'll have to make a few putts. Considering where he was last year (home), he's just happy to be back. But he goes to Augusta having missed his last four cuts.
19. SCOTT VERPLANK
Age: 41.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 23.
Worldwide victories: 5.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 10.
Best finish: T8.
Backspin: Famous for two things at the Masters -- played with Jack Nicklaus the first round when Nicklaus shot 74 and went on to win his sixth green jacket, and he is the only player to make birdie all four rounds on No. 12. Put him in the category with Toms. He'll have a chance if the course is running fast. His game is built around accuracy, irons and solid putting. But he is winless in five years, which raises doubts.
20. FRED COUPLES
Age: 46.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 28.
Worldwide victories: 20.
Majors: Masters (1992).
Masters appearances: 21.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: His last chance to win a PGA Tour event might have been at Riviera this year, when he fell apart against Rory Sabbatini over the closing holes. Give him a chance this year because no one has played Augusta National more since the course reopened after the changes. And because he is the only Masters champion to have never missed the cut. And because everyone seems to like him.
http://www.pga.com/news/majors/themasters/2006/2006_masters_top20.cfm
1. RETIEF GOOSEN
Age: 37.
Country: South Africa.
World Ranking: 3.
Worldwide victories: 26.
Majors: U.S. Open (2001, 2004)
Masters appearances: 7.
Best finish: 2.
Backspin: The last time Tiger Woods was such a heavy favorite at the Masters was in 2000, and the green jacket went to a 37-year-old from the southern hemisphere (Vijay Singh). Goosen is capable anywhere. His season started slowly, but he has been working hard and his game is coming together at the right time. This might be the year he gets a green jacket to go with those green trousers he wanted for his runner-up finish in 2002.
2. TIGER WOODS
Age: 30.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 1.
Worldwide victories: 58.
Majors: Masters (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005), U.S. Open (2000, 2002), British Open (2000, 2005), PGA Championship (1999, 2000).
Masters appearances: 11.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: One more green jacket and he's halfway home to the number of Masters wins (10) that Jack Nicklaus predicted. His father's battle with cancer will be a topic, although if his health were poor enough to cause Woods to lose focus, he probably wouldn't be at Augusta in the first place. And as good as Woods is at Augusta, he will need breaks. Everyone does. The last time he was a big favorite, his Masters was ruined by two holes -- a double bogey at No. 10 and a triple bogey at No. 12.
3. DAVID HOWELL
Age: 30.
Country: England.
World Ranking: 13.
Worldwide victories: 5.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 1.
Best finish: T11.
Backspin: Regarded by most as Britain's best player at the moment, with signature win coming last year in Shanghai when he beat a strong field and went toe-to-toe against Tiger Woods on the weekend. He made his Masters debut last year and was in contention until a 76 in the third round while paired with Woods. Known for hitting the key shot for Europe in the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills, a 6-iron into 8 feet on the par-3 17th.
4. DAVID TOMS
Age: 39.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 8.
Worldwide victories: 12.
Majors: PGA Championship (2001).
Masters appearances: 8.
Best finish: T6.
Backspin: Playing some of his best golf, with a victory at the Sony Open and in contention Sunday at Phoenix, Doral and Honda, with a solid performance at Match Play. In firm conditions, Augusta has a place for his game of medium-length tee shots, accurate irons and among the best putting strokes on tour. He once shared the record at Augusta with six straight birdies.
5. ERNIE ELS
Age: 36.
Country: South Africa.
World Ranking: 5.
Worldwide victories: 58.
Majors: U.S. Open (1994, 1997), British Open (2002).
Masters appearances: 12.
Best finish: 2.
Backspin: That carefree look on his face when he lost to Woods in a playoff at Dubai spoke volumes. Els cares only about the majors, and he is gearing himself up for Augusta. Knee still slightly sore, and he might not be ready to blossom until the early summer. But he should be in the mix. His biggest challenge at Augusta is not Woods, but the memories of coming close to the prize he covets.
6. CHAD CAMPBELL
Age: 31.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 20.
Worldwide victories: 3.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 3.
Best finish: T17.
Backspin: Asked to describe his length off the tee, Campbell compared himself with a steak -- medium, left on the grill an extra two minutes. His bread-and-butter is iron play, and the west Texan is a throwback the way he digs it out of the dirt. He is one of the hottest players early this year, with a win in Palm Springs and chances at Waialae and at Match Play. A good putter, becomes a great one when he starts seeing them go in.
7. PHIL MICKELSON
Age: 35.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 4.
Worldwide victories: 27.
Majors: Masters (2004), PGA Championship (2005).
Masters appearances: 13.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: Lefty has seven consecutive top 10s in the Masters, including that dramatic breakthrough in 2004 when his birdie on the 18th gave him his first major. Coming off a victory at the PGA Championship, he figures to be a factor at Augusta. But his game has been slightly off the first three months, primarily his putting. This was only the fourth time since he turned pro that he failed to win on the West Coast.
8. ROBERT ALLENBY
Age: 34.
Country: Australia.
World Ranking: 36.
Worldwide victories: 19.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 6.
Best finish: T29.
Backspin: He wasn't even in the Masters until winning the Triple Crown -- Australian Masters, Open and PGA -- late last year to surge into the top 50. An underachiever when it comes to the majors, and he would be the first to admit that. Perhaps the most talented of the current crop of Aussies, but his streaky putter and temper can get in the way. Has the power and shotmaking to contend.
9. VIJAY SINGH
Age: 43.
Country: Fiji.
World Ranking: 2.
Worldwide victories: 50.
Majors: Masters (2000), PGA Championship (1998, 2004).
Masters appearances: 12.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: Going through his longest drought without winning in four years, now up to 16 events on the PGA Tour that dates to August. Closed with a 77 in the final group at Sawgrass. He's still good enough to give himself a chance, but he needs a steady week with his driving and a great week putting -- and for his peace of mind, a tee time that doesn't put him behind Mickelson and those 8-millimeter spikes.
10. SERGIO GARCIA
Age: 26.
Country: Spain.
World Ranking: 6.
Worldwide victories: 16.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 7.
Best finish: T4.
Backspin: Hard to believe that at age 26, this is his eighth Masters. Missed the cut last year, perhaps a sign that he is too eager for a tournament where he feels he should contend. The latest concern (besides his putting) is his inability to close. He shot a 75 at Torrey Pines in the final group, and 78 at Sawgrass when he was one off the lead. Of the youngsters, he's the only one who consistently contends in the majors.
11. DAVIS LOVE III
Age: 41.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 16.
Worldwide victories: 19.
Majors: PGA Championship (1997).
Masters appearances: 16.
Best finish: 2.
Backspin: One look at his swing, and it's hard to believe he doesn't win more often. Lately at Augusta, he either finishes in the top 15 or misses the cut. Had an excellent chance to win Match Play, but failed to convert birdie chances on seven of his first 10 holes. Went from first to missing the cut at The Players Championship. Still has to be considered because of his driving and experience.
12. CHRIS DIMARCO
Age: 37.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 11.
Worldwide victories: 4.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 5.
Best finish: 2.
Backspin: He would love to join Gay Brewer as the only players to win a green jacket a year after losing in a playoff at the Masters. Given that he has gone more than four years without a PGA Tour victory, DiMarco might be linked to Tom Lehman, who played in the final group of the U.S. Open four straight years without winning. Has gotten off to a slow start this year after winning in Abu Dhabi, and missed The Players Championship with a minor rib injury from skiing.
13. JIM FURYK
Age: 35.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 7.
Worldwide victories: 12.
Majors: U.S. Open (2003).
Masters appearances: 9.
Best finish: 4.
Backspin: There is looking tough for TV, and there is Furyk's toughness. A classic grinder who doesn't make excuses, he has managed to contend at Augusta despite being of moderate length. Has started slowly this year, a few top 10s but no serious looks at a trophy. Should the Masters play firm and fast, it could bring him into the fold.
14. LUKE DONALD
Age: 28.
Country: England.
World Ranking: 10.
Worldwide victories: 4.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 1.
Best finish: T3.
Backspin: A classic swing hasn't produced many trophies, but Donald got off the hump at the Honda Classic with his second PGA Tour victory. Has positioned himself squarely among the top 15 in the world. He made a strong debut at Augusta National last year, tying for third in what amounted to the B-flight.
15. MIKE WEIR
Age: 35.
Country: Canada.
World Ranking: 43.
Worldwide victories: 9.
Majors: Masters (2003).
Masters appearances: 6.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: Even in a tough season for him last year, he played well at Augusta National. The '03 champion wonders now about the additional length, but if his short game is in order, he can contend. Primed to win at Pebble until his wedge game deserted him, and he lost the 4-up lead with four holes to play against eventual Match Play winner Geoff Ogilvy. Closed with a 79 at Sawgrass. The good news? He's on the right track.
16. GEOFF OGILVY
Age: 28.
Country: Australia.
World Ranking: 19.
Worldwide victories: 2.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: Rookie.
Best finish: N/A.
Backspin: Regarded as one of the most talented Aussies who didn't win enough because he got in his own way. Won in Tucson last year, which wasn't enough to get him into the Masters. Showed amazing grit by winning the Match Play, 10 times watching an opponent have a putt that would have knocked him out. Nearly won Honda the following week. Confidence is a powerful drug, and his game should be a good fit for Augusta.
17. MICHAEL CAMPBELL
Age: 37.
Country: New Zealand.
World Ranking: 21.
Worldwide victories: 15.
Majors: U.S. Open (2005).
Masters appearances: 5.
Best finish: Missed Cut.
Backspin: Hard to believe the Kiwi has never made it to the weekend at Augusta National, and no reason to think this year will be any different except that he is the U.S. Open champion. Started his year nicely, contending at the Mercedes Championships until folding late in the round. Confidence from that Pinehurst win might be fading.
18. COLIN MONTGOMERIE
Age: 42.
Country: Scotland.
World Ranking: 14.
Worldwide victories: 32.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 13.
Best finish: 8.
Backspin: A runner-up finish to Woods at St. Andrews gave him new life entering the twilight of his career. No reason to think he can contend at Augusta unless the fairways are running so fast that accuracy -- his hallmark -- is at an all-time premium. Then, of course, he'll have to make a few putts. Considering where he was last year (home), he's just happy to be back. But he goes to Augusta having missed his last four cuts.
19. SCOTT VERPLANK
Age: 41.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 23.
Worldwide victories: 5.
Majors: None.
Masters appearances: 10.
Best finish: T8.
Backspin: Famous for two things at the Masters -- played with Jack Nicklaus the first round when Nicklaus shot 74 and went on to win his sixth green jacket, and he is the only player to make birdie all four rounds on No. 12. Put him in the category with Toms. He'll have a chance if the course is running fast. His game is built around accuracy, irons and solid putting. But he is winless in five years, which raises doubts.
20. FRED COUPLES
Age: 46.
Country: United States.
World Ranking: 28.
Worldwide victories: 20.
Majors: Masters (1992).
Masters appearances: 21.
Best finish: Won.
Backspin: His last chance to win a PGA Tour event might have been at Riviera this year, when he fell apart against Rory Sabbatini over the closing holes. Give him a chance this year because no one has played Augusta National more since the course reopened after the changes. And because he is the only Masters champion to have never missed the cut. And because everyone seems to like him.
http://www.pga.com/news/majors/themasters/2006/2006_masters_top20.cfm
Upvote
0
fourteenandoh
My swing feels like an unfolding lawn chair.
I'd stay away from Scott. It's not very often that a player wins the week before a major and then wins the major.
Upvote
0
Neither Retief Goosen or Ernie Els has looked to be in form yet this year and I don't think either of them can take Tiger.
Upvote
0
fourteenandoh
My swing feels like an unfolding lawn chair.
Steve19;804317; said:
Ernie has had a fine year. He just hasn't put it all together yet.
Upvote
0
scooter1369
HTTR Forever.
SI.com's "experts have made their picks. Read this dimwit's prediction...
Sorry Florida. You got us in basketball and football. You don't get to keep Jack.
Sorry Florida. You got us in basketball and football. You don't get to keep Jack.
Upvote
0