All of the talk around my own club this week has been who will win this years US Masters Championship, who will be the winner of the famous green jacket come Sundays closing round. Will it be a European, an Englishman, a rookie or a seasoned vet with great knowledge of the Augusta track. Or will it be one of the household names we have come accustomed to seeing star around the immaculate course of Augusta. Below are my tips for the 2011 US Masters tournament. It was hard to narrow down so i have divided them into categories. See what you think and how they compare to your own predictions............
The big names/past champions: Phil Mickleson
Where do we start with Phil.... Having won for the last week 1st time since last years US Masters victory Phil is in top form. Although his putter has been cold on a few occasions in the past 12 months his all round short game is unbelievable and second to none. This is an essential requirement for any potential US Masters Champion which is shown through the fact he is already a 3 time winner of the tournament in '04, '06, '10 as well as 13 top ten finishes in 18 starts at Augusta. Phil's other quality is that he is not afraid to bomb it out there which means he is one of few players who can cope with the added length around Augusta.
The Rookie: Ricky Fowler
Yet to win but on tour but why not make his first victory a major one? Fowler hits it long and has the aggression and imagination to get it around Augusta. Ricky's introduction to the worldwide tour has been exciting throughout and similar to that of the Tiger effect back in 1997. The American fans see him as their next huge star so look out for him, one win away from exploding onto the world stage.
The European: Lee Westwood
The world number 2 and a runner - up in the 2010 Masters it is only a matter of time before Lee picks up that elusive first major championship to sit alongside his countless worldwide titles. There were encouraging signs in last weeks Shell Houston Open that Lee is returning to his best form. Let's hope he can hit top gear this week.
Big outsider: Nick Watney
A long hitter with a very solid technique that should stand up under pressure. Watney is already a winner this year having captured the WGC Cadillac Championship where he pipped Dustin Johnson by a couple of shots in the final round. Watney is coached by Butch Harmon and and finished 7th last year at Augusta. Many see him as a future major winner so why not in 2011.
I am interested to see how my picks fare this week. I know a couple are fairly obvious however you do need a certain kind of game to get the ball around Augusta in a good number, often it takes players a few visits to the US Masters before they really start to understand how to play it correctly and in a successful manner.
Let me know your bets by commenting below. One thing is guaranteed and that is we are all set for 4 days on compulsive viewing of one of the ultimate sporting events.
Thankyou for reading, sit back and enjoy the golf.
Dan Gale
PGA Professional/TPI Certified
Dan is a fully qualified member of the PGA & certified TPI Instructor
Check out his website at www.dangalegolf.com
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