Written by Alec Brzezinski at Sporting News.com
The most anticipated week of golf has finally arrived.
Whether you are a fan of golf, or just tune in for the Masters, this week offers a chance to celebrate one of the most cherished traditions in sports.
Augusta National, a 7,435-yard par 72, has become arguably the most iconic sporting venue in America with famed Magnolia Lane guarding Butler Cabin, and blooming azaleas painting the fairways.
Usual suspects Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy appear to be the men to beat this week, but there are a host of challengers ready slip on a green jacket should they falter.
To some, the event took a bit of a hit Friday when Tiger Woods announced he would not be playing for the second consecutive Masters. More have moved on from the Woods-dominated PGA Tour and are ready to crown a new champion.
Danny Willett surprised everyone and won his first green jacket on just his second try last year after Spieth suffered through an epic collapse.
Willett is back in the field this week, but his current form has been poor.
Here are this week’s top golfers:
Jordan Spieth (world ranking: 6) — The rankings may say six, but it’s hard to find five players more likely to win this week. With a win and a t-2 in his last two starts here, Spieth has mastered Augusta at a very young age. Ranked third on Tour in greens in regulation percentage, Spieth is certainly a threat to don his second green jacket.
Dustin Johnson (1) — Leads the Tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green, total strokes gained, driving distance and greens in regulation percentage. It’s not a mystery why he’s won his last three starts and now has a commanding hold on the No. 1 spot in the world ranking. Still without a green jacket, this could be Johnson’s year.
Rory McIlroy (2) — We haven’t seen much of McIlroy this year (just four starts worldwide) due to a rib injury, yet that shouldn’t stop the Northern Irishman from contending this week. Still in search of a career grand slam, McIlroy will have to exorcize his demons from a 2011 collapse.
Phil Mickelson (18) — Too old, external distractions in the form of ongoing legal affairs, struggles in Houston last week (T-55). Those are all valid concerns regarding Mickelson heading into the week. Throw them all out. Mickelson is a different animal at Augusta. With three wins and eight other top-five finishes at this course, it’s safe to say Mickelson is always a threat at the Masters.
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