DUSTIN’S LATE CALL
Hot tip Johnson last on tee
DUSTIN JOHNSON will be forced to wait before launching his Masters assault on Augusta.
The big-hitting American goes into tomorrow’s tournament as red-hot favourite to win ahead of Rory McIlory and Jordan Spieth.
Johnson has been unstoppable in 2017, winning his last three tournaments while becoming world No.1 for the first time.
But he will not be able to unleash his power on the famous course until 7:03pm UK time after being drawn in the last group.
Johnson will play alongside fellow Americans Bubba Watson and Jimmy Walker.
The Ryder Cup trio are expected to attract huge galleries, not least because Watson is a former champion, having won Green Jackets in 2012 and 2014. Another notable group sees Open champion Henrik Stenson alongside former Masters winner Angel Cabrera and highlyrated Englishman Tyrrell Hatton.
Hatton’s compatriot Andy Sullivan will go out alongside 2013 champion Adam Scott and American Kevin Kisner.
Tipped
American pin-up Rickie Fowler, who is also tipped to do well, has been drawn in a group alongside Scotland’s Russell Knox and Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama.
Three-time winner and crowd favourite Phil Mickelson has been drawn in a group that includes Spaniard Rafa Cabrera-Bello.
English amateur Scott Gregory will play alongside Scotland’s Sandy Lyle, who won a Green Jacket back in 1988.
Lee Westwood, who has finished in the top 10 six times, will play with Spanish superstar and Ryder Cup ace Sergio Garcia and Ireland’s Shane Lowry.
Westwood, who finished as runner-up to Danny Willett last year, will tee off at 6.19pm.
Former US Open champion Justin Rose will play alongside world No.3 Jason Day and Brandt Snedeker at 3.56pm.
Matt Fitzpatrick, who secured a top-10 finish in 2016 with a final round of 67, will take to the course alongside Spieth and European Ryder Cup hero Martin Kaymer.
Twice Open champion Ernie Els, meanwhile, who could be taking part in his last Masters, will tee off at 5.13pm with Jason Dufner and Bernd Wiesberger.