#masters2012

On Thursday April 5th 2012, Augusta National will host the Masters, the first Golfing Major of the year. Players from all across the globe will travel to Georgia to compete for the famous Green Jacket. Charl Schwartzel will defend his crown after his surprising win in 2011 where Rory McIlroy’s disastrous final round saw him throw away a fantastic opportunity to win his first Masters crown. Tiger Woods is out to win his fifth Green jacket after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week whilst beginning to look like the Tiger of old and Luke Donald is looking for his first Major win of his career.

  The past five years have seen surprise Masters wins from Schwartzel, Angel Cabrera, Trevor Immelman and Zach Johnson which gives an indication that this tournament really is anyone’s to win. Ian Poulter is rated by the Bookmakers at 100/1 to win while Keegan Bradley is priced at 33/1 to add a second major to his name after his fantastic 2011 PGA Championship win. It is very possible that come Sunday, a big outsider is walking up the 18th with every chance of Major glory.

  Having said that, my head would have to go with Tiger or McIlroy. Rory’s first three rounds at the Masters in 2011 showed exactly how to tackle this great course. Pinpoint accuracy from tee to green and incredible putting put him virtually out of sight from his competitors. Regardless of his wobble on day four, McIlroy showed what a talent he is and it would not be a surprise to see Schwartzel handing Rory his first Green Jacket.

  Tiger showed at the Arnold Palmer Invitational that his game is getting back somewhere close to where it used to be. A five shot win over Graeme McDowell proved that his game is starting to come together under coach Sean Foley. Tiger has every shot in the book and if his game can come together over four days, he is definitely the man to beat. I’m sure former coach Hank Haney would disagree but for me, it would be fantastic to see Tiger back winning majors and the Masters would be a great start.

  My outside pick would be Nick Watney. Under the guidance of Butch Harmon, Watney has made his way into the World top 20 and has some good PGA Tour wins under his belt. Although a Masters win would be a huge step up, Watney has the game for Augusta providing he is on form all week.

  The Masters 2012 promises to be a fantastic tournament and I cannot wait for it to get underway.

MASTERS DRAW:

D Junhui v R O’Sullivan

J Trump v S Bingham

N Robertson v M Allen

M Williams v S Maguire

M Selby v S Lee

S Murphy v M Gould

A Carter v G Dott

J Higgins v M Stevens

These matches will be staged at the