Europeans lining up but Johnson’s the man to beat
THE countdown to The Masters, which finishes four weeks today, is under way.
Whether we will have another European winner after Danny Willett’s victory last year is the big question.
There will be at least 24 European Tour players in the field, with Ross Fisher needing to improve his World Ranking only a few places to qualify.
Rory McIlroy will lead the charge, but he has the added pressure of trying to win a Green Jacket to complete his Grand Slam, and join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only men to have won all four Majors.
Rory’s preparation has been hindered by an injury lay-off, and his recent return proves he needs more competition.
For such a good player, Henrik Stenson has a poor record at Augusta, with a best finish of tied14 in 2014. But after his victory at Royal Troon last year, he should improve that record.
Justin Rose has the experience of being in contention, having finished second in 2015 behind Jordan Speith.
Sergio Garcia has done well only once – 13 years ago when he finished in a tie for fourth place.
His Achilles heel has been his putting, but the good news is he’s doing better with the claw grip.
As for the defending champion, I’m sure that Danny wouldn’t change what happened last April. But being Masters Champion has been a heavy responsibility.
You’d never describe it as a millstone, but it brings a lot of pressure and expectation.
He hasn’t won a tournament since, and it certainly affected him at the Ryder Cup. It will probably help him when he no longer carries that champion tag.
I wouldn’t expect him to win again next month, and I think he’d consider a top-20 finish as success.
There is a real opportunity for the new, fearless generation of Europeans to make their mark.
If I were to choose one, it would be Belgium’s Thomas Pieters.
He’s in good form – he was tied second to Dustin Johnson at Riviera recently – and proved he’s a big occasion man when he won four out of five points at Hazeltine.
He’s tall, powerful and has the temperament. He’s a Major winner waiting in the wings.
The Spaniard Jon Rahm is another future Major champion. He’s only 22 but his hero, Seve Ballesteros, won his first Masters just days after his 23rd birthday.
Of the Englishmen in the field, Matthew Fitzpatrick finished seventh last year and will look to do well again, but I’m not sure he has the power for Augusta.
Tyrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood will play their first Masters and are in good form.
After his victory at the recent WGC Event, Johnson will be No. 1 ranked golfer at The Masters and the clear favourite.
He has the game to win it, and his laid-back approach means he will be unfazed by the on and offcourse pressure.
Phil Mickelson, at 46, knows the clock is ticking for him to win his fourth title, but Jack Nicklaus won at 46 so it’s not impossible.
It’s not often we speculate about the winner of The Masters without talking about Tiger Woods, but I fear that will happen this year.
Even if he does play, it’s increasingly difficult to consider Tiger a serious contender.
This is the 81st edition of tournament, and one Masters legend missing will be Arnold Palmer, who passed away last September.
He’d had acted as Honorary Starter since 2007 until he was unable to hit the ceremonial opening tee shot last year and Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player stepped in.
I’m sure the organisers will find a suitable way to pay tribute.
Danny Willett tries the Green Jacket on for size last year.