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4 Players To Watch At The Masters

Josh Cohen |
April 9, 2015 | 12:20 a.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

It is early April, which means it is time for the first golf major of the year: the Masters. Bubba Watson will look to maintain his status as king of Augusta National, while the top player in the world, Rory McIlroy, ought to be favored to win it all this year. However, there are also a number of guys flying under the radar who could do some serious damage and find themselves atop of the leaderboard after Friday’s cut. Here are four potential contenders to watch out for as the tournament unfolds.  

1. Rickie Fowler

Fowler has been in a minor slump since the commencement of 2015, but he is a consistent performer in majors. Last year, he posted top-five finishes in all four major tournaments, including a tie for fifth place in the Masters. Fowler has won only one PGA Tour event as a pro (Wells Fargo Championship, May 2012), but his consistency could be his greatest weapon at Augusta National. Fowler has improved his game in seemingly every category, and he is driving the ball longer than ever before despite his small frame. With more range from the tee box, Fowler’s game is now as diverse as his wardrobe. Look for the world No. 13 to be fearless at Augusta—which could be downright dangerous.

2. Billy Horschel

Ranked 18th in the world, Horschel is quietly playing some outstanding golf. The University of Florida product might be able to ride a wave of momentum after a third place finish at the Valero Texas Open in late March. Horschel will need to be efficient with his putter, as the speedy greens at Augusta National are unforgiving to say the least.

3. Jordan Spieth

At just 21 years of age, Spieth appears to be one of the game's future greats. But let’s not forget that he was tied for runner-up at last year’s Masters. Spieth stands a legitimate chance of winning it all this year. He posted impressive scores of -10, -7 and -16 in his last three tournaments, good for a first place finish and two second-place finishes. Like Horschel, Spieth in on good form right now and should enter the tournament with a spring in his step. Spieth drives sub-300 off the tee, but he is absolute money on the green. Even on the challenging Augusta greens, Spieth is an elite putter and should fare well with the flat stick.  

4. J.B. Holmes

Holmes has moved up to world No. 12 and is fresh off of a win at the Houston Open. He is a sneaky player who could very well find himself on the first page of the leaderboard as the tournament wears on. Holmes shares a tee time with Martin Kaymer and Brandt Snedeker, which should be quite an entertaining group to watch during the first two days of action. Although he is a veteran, Holmes lacks experience at Augusta National. But given his recent success at WGC-Cadillac and the Houston Open, Holmes is a possible sleeper in this year’s field.

Who will survive Amen Corner? Who will provide the magical moments? Who will be wearing the green jacket on Sunday? While we anxiously wait, keep a close eye on Fowler, Horschel, Spieth and Holmes as four potential leaderboard climbers. 

Reach Staff Reporter Josh Cohen here.



 

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