Players fit for a major accomplishment

AUGUSTA — There is a hyper-focus at the 79th Masters on one player who has won here many times (Tiger Woods) and on another who hasn’t won here yet (Rory McIlroy). Meanwhile, there are 18 former champions in the field, including Bubba Watson, who has won two of the past three and is playing very well.

But there also is a deep pool of high-quality players who haven’t won at Augusta National but have the games and momentum to do it this year. Here are five to watch closely this week: JORDAN SPIETH Age: 21 Hometown: Dallas World ranking: 4 2015 earnings; FedEx standing: $3,158,196; 2

Why he could win: As a Masters rookie last year, Spieth led the field through 62 holes and finished in a tie for second. He has won three times since then — including the Australian Open in November — and arrives in Augusta off a first- and two second-place finishes. He also leads the tour in putting average (1.684).

Quote: “This year I come in expecting to play well on a course I feel very comfortable on. I feel like it suits my game nicely, and I also feel like I’ve been playing well. So as long as I’m getting enough rest and just keep doing what I’ve been doing the last month, I should be able to make some birdies and get myself up there.” JASON DAY Age: 27 Hometown: Beaudesert, Queensland, Australia World ranking: 5 2015 earnings; FedEx standing: $1,979,528; 9

Why he could win: It’s only Day’s fifth visit to Augusta National, but he has two top-3 finishes, including second place in 2011. He shot a 64 in the second round that year, equaling the lowest score for a first-time participant. He has the perfect game to win. He enters with the No. 1 all-around statistical ranking on the PGA Tour.

Quote: “It’s exciting to be back in a place I absolutely love. I started practicing here Friday, Saturday, Sunday, this week. Got some good sessions in. I’m just looking forward to the chance of hopefully putting on that green jacket at the end of the week.” JIMMY WALKER Age: 36 Hometown: Oklahoma City World ranking: 10 2015 earnings; FedEx standing: $3,469,349; 1

Why he could win: Walker has five wins in the past two seasons, including two this year. And his last victory was dominating as he led the Valero Open field at one point by seven strokes before finishing four ahead of Spieth. He does a lot of things well on the course but is best known for his exceptional putting (third on tour, first in birdie average). He finished eighth last year in his first visit to Augusta National, tied for ninth at the U.S. Open and tied for seventh at the PGA.

Quote: “I feel good about what’s going on. I’m excited to play. Driving the ball isn’t my strong suit if you look at my stats. I hit it far. Just hit some fairways this week, be patient and make some putts, and it should be a good week. It’s cool to be considered in the mix, but I’ve still got to go out and hit all the shots.” J.B. HOLMES Age: 32 Hometown: Campbellsville, Ky. World ranking: 12 2015 earnings; FedEx standing: $2,942,520; 3

Why he could win: Holmes is hot, coming here off a win in the Shell Houston Open. He also has a game tailor-made for Augusta National’s expansive layout. He ranks third on the Tour in total driving, seventh in driving distance and fourth in birdie average. He has played in one other Masters (2008) but finished 25th.

Quote: “I’ve been playing well all year, and any time you’re coming off a win, you have a lot of confidence. I just want to enjoy the Masters and have some fun. I feel like the majority of my preparation was done last week.” HENRIK STENSON Age: 39 Hometown: Gothenburg, Sweden World ranking: 2 2015 earnings; FedEx standing: $1,402,100; 28

Why he could win: Stenson is coming off a stellar 2014 season in which he recorded his 12th international victory, as well as top-5 finishes in the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship. He comes to Augusta off two fourths and a second during the recent Florida swing. He tied for 14th last year, his best finish in nine Masters appearances.

Quote: “I just feel like overall, when I’m playing good, I’m pretty solid all the way throughout my game, and my irons have been the one strong factor in the last couple years, really. I produced quite a lot of birdie chances with my mid- to shorter-irons. That’s key here this week.” FIVE OTHERS TO WATCH: Rickie Fowler: Ranked 13th, Fowler did not win in 2014, but he finished in the top five of the past four majors, a feat last accomplished by Tiger Woods in 2005. Finished tied for second at the U.S. and British opens.

Dustin Johnson: Ranked No. 7 in the world, Johnson leads the PGA Tour in driving distance and has an ideal long game for Augusta National. But his best finish in six Masters is 13th, and this is his first major since last year’s “sabbatical” from golf.

Martin Kaymer: Ranked 14th in world and won a major (U.S. Open) and an almost-major (Players Championship) last year, but has not played well at all this year. He has missed his past two cuts while shooting 18 over par.

Matt Kuchar: Ranked 16th in the world, the Georgia Tech alum hasn’t played particularly well this year, but he always plays well here. He has five top25 finishes in eight Masters, including a tie for third in 2012.

Patrick Reed: Ranked 15th in the world, Reed believes he’s the best player in the world. He won the first event of 2015 and hasn’t finished outside the top 25 in his past four tournaments.