Apr 02, 2018: The 82nd edition of the Masters could prove to be the most exciting golf event of this millennium. The resurgence of Tiger Woods, who has made par or better in his last ten rounds has woken up his legion of admirers from a long slumber. Get ready for a noisy Masters.
Shubhankar Sharma makes his major debut on one of the finest stages in golf. He will be the only Indian to make his major debut at the Masters when he tees off on Thursday. The Indian is currently ranked 68 and a good result this week should catapult him inside the top 50 on the OWGR.
Rory McIlroy has won four majors in his career, including victories in the US Open, the Open and the PGA Championship. The only thing missing from his collection is a Green Jacket. The Northern Irishman hasn’t won a major since 2014 and this is the one he really wants on his well decorated wall of honors.
Phil Mickelson went five years without a victory. But that drought ended at the WGC Mexico Championship. The veteran seems to have rediscovered his mojo and could be a major threat at Augusta.
Justin Thomas has been on a winning spree, collecting seven trophies over the past 18 months, including the 2017 PGA Championship. Thomas won the Honda Classic in a playoff against Luke List before losing one to Mickelson in WGC Mexico. He could be a big threat come Thursday in Augusta and could well be the world No.1 by the end of the week.
Jordan Spieth announced himself to the big league with a Masters victory in 2015. After collecting a few scars around the Amen Corner in 2016, he seems to have healed those wounds with an emphatic victory in the Open Championship last year. The short game is on a real song for Spieth, making him a serious contender for another Green Jacket.
Bubba Watson has two Masters titles to his name. Victory in the WGC Dell Match Play installed the left hander among the favourites yet again. Watson’s game sits well on the Augusta National course and with his confidence on a high, a third title is well within his reach.
Dustin Johnson endured a freak accident last year, falling on the stairs at the Augusta National Golf Club. After being forced to withdraw last year, Johnson will arrive at the top of magnolia lane hungry and eager.
Anand Datla
