By James Davis
However, considering the poor record for Europeans at Augusta in recent years and the incredible motivation that these US tour heavyweights derive from the iconic green jacket; the optimism is justifiable.Can Tiger turn it around? Can Mickelson build on his win at the Houston Open and defend the Masters title?
Here are the top ten US and International contenders for the 2011 US Masters:
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Tiger Woods (USA) With one Masters win in the last seven years and having endured 18 turbulent months on and off the course, many people are writing Woods off for this year's main event. However, you should never doubt the man who shot 18-under for his first Green Jacket in 1997. He usually produces his best golf when the pressure is on and it doesn't get any more intense than the US Masters. Can he put all his troubles behind him and regain his status at the very top of the game? Here at Leaderboard, we hope so. An absolute joy to watch when on form - he is this year's favourite. Odds: 8/1 World ranking: 6 |
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Phil Mickelson (USA) Twice a Masters winner and the 2010 holder of the green jacket, Phil Mickelson has only once been out of the top 10 in his last 11 visits to the Augusta National. He goes into Thursday's main event above Tiger Woods in the rankings for the first time since 1997. 2011 started well for the left-hander but he had a notable dip in form up until last weekend's Houston open, where he powered to victory. 'Lefty' seems to have found his stride at just the right time and some bookmakers have him at better odds than Tiger. Will a walk on home soil see a revival in his fortunes? If he can power his way to victory this weekend, he will become one of a select group of players to successfully defend the US Masters title. What more motivation could he possibly need? Odds: 10/1 World ranking: 5 |
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Nick Watney Nick Watney has played in the Masters three times now and was a top 20 finisher on each occasion. He also has top 20 finishes in every major bar the US Open. At last year's Masters he closed with a magnificent 65 to secure seventh place showing exactly what he is capable of. He has grown in confidence in the last year, showing great determination and skill throughout. Hopefully he can build on his impressive performances in recent months and prove his credentials by winning his first major. Odds: 14/1 World ranking: 14 |
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Dustin Johnson (USA) Johnson is the only under-30 playing the PGA Tour with four wins to his name and could have been a major winner had he not lost a three shot lead in last year's US Open. One of only three players to score back-to-back eagles at the Masters and never having missed the cut in a major on US soil he is certainly one to keep an eye on. Odds: 25/1 World ranking: 12 |
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Matt Kuchar (USA) Kuchar was the lowest scoring amateur at both the Masters (21) and the US Open (14) in 1998 and played the course twice more, in 1999 and 2002, before an eight-year break. 2009 saw him relaunch his career and in 2010 he made the cut at 23 of 26 events. Unlikely to be a Masters winner, but perhaps 2011 will see him improve on his 25th place finish last year. He has reached the top 10 on merit, so he will be feeling confident that with some good scores, he can stay in contention right until the end of play. Odds: 33/1 World ranking: 9 |
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Steve Stricker (USA) One of the few players on tour with a top ten finish in all the four golf majors, Stricker has won five tournaments since the start of 2009 and reached number two in the World rankings in 2010. While he has never won a major, Stricker has the potential to cause an upset with his well rounded short game. The fast greens will suit him and no course is more rewarding of confident putting than Augusta. Odds: 33/1 World ranking: 10 |
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Hunter Mahan (USA) Eighth in 2010 and tenth in 2009, having made the cut in 2008, Hunter Mahan is part of a group of solid mid 20-year-old Americans slowly climbing the ranks. With two wins in 2010 and having made it into the Ryder Cup team, the future is bright for Mahan. Here at Leaderboard, we think he could be a serious contender for this year's title. Odds: 33/1 World ranking: 18 |
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Bubba Watson (USA) One of the best drivers on tour - the Augusta National could well suit the young American's style of play. He has made the cut on both previous appearances at the Masters and this year he made his Ryder Cup debut. Along with Mahan, his continuous improvement will eventually see him consistently competing with the sport's greats. Now would be a great time for him to announce himself as one of the elite. Odds: 33/1 World ranking: 17 |
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Jim Furyk (USA) Of 28 pre-cut rounds at Augusta Furyk has only gone below 70 on just three occasions despite an exceptional record in all of the majors. While unlikely to be a contender for the top spot he has achieved a number of top 20 finishes and has twice finished in fourth. Odds: 40/1 World ranking: 11 |
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Ernie Els (RSA) A final round of 68 in 2010 was Ernie Els' best at Augusta in 18 attempts. He achieved top six finishes between 2000 and 2004. The only non-American in our Top Ten US and International Contenders list; Els is one of the best swingers of a golf club but his green play can let him down. Odds: 50/1 World ranking: 13 |
