Six Guys To Watch at the Masters, Who Are Looking For Their First Major Win
By Michael Shamburger
The public favorite at the Masters this week will be Jordan Spieth, followed by Jason Day and Rory McIlroy, but here are five guys who haven’t won a major tournament to keep an eye on.
Henrik Stenson
While a Stenson win wouldn’t surprise many golf fans, the casual viewer, or the person that only watches one tournament a year–this one–may not know the name. Stenson has yet to win a major championship, but he’s come very close. Stenson just turned in a really good performance at the Shell Houston Open, where he finished second behind Jim Herman and had a putt on the 18th hole to send the tournament to a playoff. Stenson has been deadly accurate with his driver and is third on Tour in strokes gained tee-to-green at 1.994. His putting, however, has not been that great this season and could be his biggest issue at Augusta.
Last five Masters finishes
2015 – T19
2014 – T14
2013 – T18
2012 – T40
2011 – CUT
Odds
Stenson is currently at 25/1.
Dustin Johnson
Dustin Johnson is also coming off of a solid performance at the Shell Houston Open. He finished alone in third at -13. While he’s been VERY close, he has yet to break through and is the second biggest name in American golf who hasn’t won a major. If he can keep his drive in the fairway and his putter is on, look out.
Last five Masters finishes
2015 – T6
2014 – CUT
2013 – T13
2012 – DNP
2011 – T38
Odds
DJ is currently sitting at 15/1.
Rickie Fowler
Would you believe it if I told you that Rickie Fowler also played well at the Shell Houston Open? Fowler finished at -9 and in a tie for 10th. Fowler is currently ranked fifth in the official world golf rankings and last year he finished 12th at Augusta. He is currently the biggest name in the sport who has not won a major tournament, but that could change this week.
Last five Masters finishes
2015 – T12
2014 – T5
2013 – T38
2012 – T27
2011 – T38
Odds
Rickie is currently at 15/1.
Patrick Reed
Patrick Reed has four PGA Tour wins, but his best finish at Augusta is a measly T22 last year. This year Reed has played in 11 events, and has seven top 10 finishes and a second place under his belt. He’s off to a very good start this year and is coming off of a T10 at the Shell Houston Open where he turned in a final round 67 and finished at -9. Reed is in his sixth PGA Tour season and this will be his third appearance at Augusta. He is currently 10th in the official world golf rankings.
Masters finishes
2015 – T22
2014 – CUT
Odds
Reed currently sits at 45/1.
Sergio Garcia
Sergio Garcia, sigh. Can this guy finally break through and win a major tournament? He’s come close so many times but always seems to find a way not to win. He had a disappointing outing at the Shell Houston Open last week, but has had a very solid season with a second place finish at The Honda Classic as his highest finish. While the Spaniard hasn’t won on Tour since 2012, he still has all the tools to get it done and is fourth in strokes gained tee-to-green.
Last five Masters finishes
2015 – T17
2014 – CUT
2013 – T8
2012 – T12
2011 – T35
*2004 – T4
Odds
Garcia is currently at 50/1.
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki is one of the most fun golfers to watch. Even when he hits it close he’s disappointed. His last win came earlier this year at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, where he outlasted Rickie Fowler in a four-hole playoff. He currently ranks fifth in strokes gained tee-to-green.
Masters finishes
2015 – 5
2014 – CUT
2013 – DNP
2012 – T54
2011 – T27
Odds
Hideki is currently at 45/1.
Odds via Sportsbook.ag
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We’ll have a few more posts leading up to the start of the Masters with sleepers and a full preview so keep an eye out for those.