For golfers, it’s the biggest weekend of the year; it’s the Masters! To have the previous champion drape the coveted green jacket over your shoulders is the epitome of reaching the pinnacle in the game of golf. So here are five guys I predict to make a run from Thursday to Sunday.
Phil Mickelson- Phil has shown he’s a proven Augusta National competitor, and who could forget his last win? With the emotions of his wife and mother simultaneously undergoing breast cancer treatment. If he can withstand those circumstances, I would say it’s safe to say he can’t be counted out. But golf is about who’s playing well at the right time; Phil Mickelson is hitting his stride at the right time.
Luke Donald- If you looked up the word consistency in the dictionary you would see Luke Donald’s pretty face aside the definition. Luke Donald is the #1 player in the world and always seems to way to find himself with a top-five finish. Never a bride, always a bridesmaid. Maybe this can be the week Luke has his breakthrough performance.
Hunter Mahan- Mahan is #1 on the money list, as well as the winner of last week’s Shell Houston Open. Mahan is playing the way he needs to be with 83% green in regulation last week. By doing this, Mahan can set himself up for birdie opportunities. Don’t be surprised if Mahan breaks through.
Rory McIlroy- How could I not predict some fireworks from “the kid”? Rory has proved time and time again he truly is the protégé. He displayed his potential last summer at the US Open at Congressional while blowing the field away. Let us not forget his epic collapse last year at Augusta opening the door for winner Charl Schwartzel. It was a costly learning experience that the young pro had to have learned from.
Tiger Woods- If you don’t get the chills from Tiger snaking an eagle putt on the back nine on Sunday, then you’re not a true fan. Tiger Woods has single-handedly brought golf from a second tier sport to one of the most publicized sports in the world. Ratings can support when Tiger is in contention viewers tune in almost 200% more than when he’s not. Tiger finally broke through at Bay Hill after going winless for 108 events. Yes that is not a typo or a miscalculation; it was 108 events and 936 days between wins. Bobby Jones once said, “Golf is played on a six-inch course; the space between your ears.” That truly applies for Tiger because he finally looks like the Tiger we all love. He has put the past behind him and is at peace with himself and ready for yet another green jacket.
