2012 Masters Predictions
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The first major of the season has finally arrived. The PGA Tour is headed to Augusta National Golf Club for the 2012 Masters. It’s the first of four major championships, and some consider it to be the best of them all. Unlike the other three majors, the Masters is held on the same course each year. The tradition of this tournament is unlike any other. There is something truly special about receiving the green jacket. It’s something every professional golfer strives for.
The last two Masters have truly been something special. Few thought last year could outdo the emotional triumph of Phil Mickelson in 2010, but it did just that. 2011 was one of the most entertaining finishes in Masters history. Eight different golfers had a share of the lead at one point in the final round. Charl Schwartzel emerged from the pack with one of the most remarkable finishes. Schwartzel birdied each of the final four holes to finish two shots ahead of Jason Day and Adam Scott. Lost in the excitement of the final 9 holes, was the collapse of Rory McIlroy, who shot a final round of 80 after leading the tournament by 2-shots.
It’s hard telling what the 2012 Masters will add to the legacy of this event. Those that plan on contending this week must be able to attack the par 5s, be able to scramble for pars on the par 4s, and hit as many greens as you can in regulation. It doesn’t hurt to be long off the tee, but that isn’t a huge prerequisite for winning this event.
One thing that might stand above all other factors is experience. You can pretty much scratch those making their first Masters appearance. Only three golfers in the history of the Masters have won the green jacket in their first start at Augusta National. For those of you looking to bet on the tournament, here is a quick look at the three golfers I feel have a great shot at winning.
Tiger Woods
I know this is a pretty obvious pick, but if you watched Tiger in his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, you understand why he is the favorite to win this event. Woods absolutely loves playing at this event. As bad as things have been over the previous two seasons, he still managed to finish tied for fourth at this event in both starts. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Woods came out and put on a show this week, but wouldn’t it be something if it was Tiger Woods and McIlroy dueling it out on Sunday. Woods has four green jackets hanging up in his closest, and I think number five will be added on Sunday.
Rory McIlroy
This is another easy pick, but if there is anyone who has the ability to keep up with Tiger, its McIlroy. He was dominant in his first three rounds at Augusta last year. The nerves of winning his first major caught up with him, but that won’t be an issue this time around. McIlroy went out and won the US Open by 8-shots after falling apart in the Masters. You can bet he has been itching at the opportunity to get back on this course.
Jason Day
Day nearly became just the fourth golfer to win this event in his first start at Augusta. He really impressed me with his 68 on Sunday. That lets me know he has what it takes to tackle this course when it matters the most. Day also shot a 64 on Friday, which tied the lowest score for a player in his first start. He hasn’t done a whole lot up to this point in the season, but you can bet he has been fine tuning his game for this event. Schwartzel’s win last year came in his second start.
Looking for some help on how to golf better in 2012? Take a look at these proven putting tips that are sure to lower your score next time out.
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It’s phill’s day, thee crowd is behind him and he will electrify thee field, nobody will catch him it’s over. Jack Jones
NBA today, I like chicago bulls over new york knicks at 1pm no problem. Jack Jones