**2014 Masters Thread**

[Fumbleweed 426]

The Masters is HERE!!!...for a few of us, it is just about our favorite sports weekend of the year. For most, probably not, but still a weekend of interest. So, to begin the Masters discussion, I thought I would list my top ten favorties for this year as was done the past couple of years. Should be a great tournament!

Top Ten:

1. Bubba Watson- Totally re-focused in 2014 following a somewhat lackluster 2013. Will tear up the par-fives and can shape shots to fit what is required at Augusta. Definitely the early favorite in my book.

2. Rory McIlroy- Continues to trend up for 2014. Would not shock me one bit to see him win this. Needs to putt better than he has this year so far, though.

 

3. Adam Scott- Being the defending champion has its share of distractions, but it's impossible to overlook Scott's track record in majors since 2011. Should be in the mix on Sunday afternoon.

4. Graham DeLaet- Watch out for this guy. Very few players have been more consistent over the past year and he's due to contend for something big. A darkhorse, to be sure, but worth keeping a close watch on just the same.

 

5. Sergio Garcia- Has somewhat quietly played some of the best golf of his career over the past six months or so. Still has the game to win majors, but must overcome some of the mental blocks that tend to derail his chances from time to time.

6. Matt Kuchar- His strong play in San Antonio and Houston cannot be ignored, although he should have come out of those two tournaments with at least one win.

7. Victor Dubuissson- VERY good young player. Could be Europe's best outside of McIlroy over the next ten years. I look for him to further make a name for himself at Augusta and sneak into the top ten on the final day of competition.

8. Phil Mickelson- Good showing in Houston means he's ready to contend at Augusta. Don't think he'll be a factor on the back nine on Sunday, but a top ten finish is realistic given the current state of his game.

9. Patrick Reed- Yes, I know this is Reed's first major that he's played in, but this kid plays with a swagger that few his age possess and he doesn't just want to earn paychecks...he wants to win. I think he'll surprise some people in his first Masters.

 

10. Harris English- Along with Speith and Reed, English is the future of American golf. Very good all-around player. Does everything well and has a game that sets up nicely for Augusta National.


Players outside of my top ten who still have a very legitimate shot at winning: Zach Johnson, Charl Schwartzel, Graeme McDowell, Webb Simpson, Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner, Jason Day*, Jimmy Walker, Henrik Stenson, Dustin Johnson

Highly ranked players who are off to slow start in 2014, but could catch lightning in a bottle for a week: Lee Westwood, Brandt Snedeker, Luke Donald, Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, Louis Oosthuzien, Steve Stricker

 

Young, exciting players with little Masters experience, but tons of game: Jordan Spieth, Hideki Matsuyama, Gary Woodland, Thorbjorn Olesen, Matteo Manassero. Scott Stallings, Branden Grace, Matt Every.

Solid, tested players...wouldn't be a shocker if they won: Hunter Mahan, Ryan Moore, Jamie Donaldson, Francesco Molinari, Angel Cabrera, Ernie Els, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Jim Furyk, Nick Watney*, Thomas Bjorn, Miguel Angel Jimenez, John Senden.

Guys who have a punchers chance, but would make for a somewhat shocking winner: Roberto Castro, Brendon De Jonge, D.A. Points, Chris Kirk, Fred Couples, Trevor Immelman, Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, Stewart Cink, Martin Kaymer, Kevin Streelman, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Billy Horschel, Marc Leishman, Tim Clark, Sang Moon Bae, Boo Weekley, Ken Duke, Jonas Blixt, Rickie Fowler, David Lynn, Thongchai Jaidee, Peter Hanson, Joost Luiten, Kevin Stadler, Russell Henley, Stephen Gallacher, Steven Bowditch, Matt Jones.

Guys who have no real shot at winning from my perspective: Ben Crenshaw, Sandy Lyle, Larry Mize, Mark O' Meara, Jose Maria Olazabal, Ian Woosnam, Mike Weir, Tom Watson, Craig Stadler, Lucas Glover, Darren Clarke, Y.E. Yang, John Huh, Derek Ernst, all amateurs.

 

Not playing due to injury: Tiger Woods

 

*- injury concerns at present

[edjr 5,562]

it's a month away, fock off.

[drobeski 3,061]

Im torn ...tiger or federererrer

[Fumbleweed 426]

it's a month away, fock off.

 

No one is forcing you to participate in the discussion. But, thanks for the kindness shown.

[edjr 5,562]

Im torn ...tiger or federererrer

 

[Cloaca du jour 2,064]

Man i was pulling for Cabrerra last year. Good list!

 

Just pumped me up for it immensly. This damn winter wont go away.

[ROCKFORD 134]

this is the greatest thread ever.

[GobbleDog 816]

5+ years ago I predicted Woods would never break the Nicklaus's record. At the time, it sounded insane - He was on pace to not only break it, but shatter it.

 

Fast forward to today, I'm a proven genuis.

[BunnysBastatrds 1,913]

Great list as always. :thumb up:

 

The kid who won Sunday has got a huge set. I like his attitude on and off the course. He probably won't win a major this year but I can see him in the mix having the old timers looking over their shoulders. He plays today's game the way it should be played; par is your friend when needed, bogeys can be made up, and rock out with your cack out when you're supposed to.

 

I like the way Zach Johnson is playing. His game has gotten ten times better since he won the Masters. Wouldn't at all be surprised to see him on the leader board Saturday and Sunday.

 

Woods is done for the year. When you can see he knows it, it's done.

 

Michelson needs the weather to be perfect on the weekend. Bad weather kills his game. And the law if averages my be in the weathers corner.

 

I'm rooting for Bubba. Now that Tiger is done, if he's in the hunt on Sunday, there's no way I root for anyone but him. A few more big wins and he's the face of the PGA. A buddy of mine brought his 80 dad to Augusta last year for a practice round. Was his first trip to Augusta. Huge golf history buff. They went to all the landmarks on the course. Old Pops got chocked up on a bunch of them as he had read or seen them all. He got to stand where Bubba hit that miracle shot. My friends da said that God couldn't have hit that shot under that kind of pressure. Old Pops has played since he was ten. He was more impressed with that shot than any other.

[Fumbleweed 426]

Great list as always. :thumb up:

 

The kid who won Sunday has got a huge set. I like his attitude on and off the course. He probably won't win a major this year but I can see him in the mix having the old timers looking over their shoulders. He plays today's game the way it should be played; par is your friend when needed, bogeys can be made up, and rock out with your cack out when you're supposed to.

 

I like the way Zach Johnson is playing. His game has gotten ten times better since he won the Masters. Wouldn't at all be surprised to see him on the leader board Saturday and Sunday.

 

Woods is done for the year. When you can see he knows it, it's done.

 

Michelson needs the weather to be perfect on the weekend. Bad weather kills his game. And the law if averages my be in the weathers corner.

 

I'm rooting for Bubba. Now that Tiger is done, if he's in the hunt on Sunday, there's no way I root for anyone but him. A few more big wins and he's the face of the PGA. A buddy of mine brought his 80 dad to Augusta last year for a practice round. Was his first trip to Augusta. Huge golf history buff. They went to all the landmarks on the course. Old Pops got chocked up on a bunch of them as he had read or seen them all. He got to stand where Bubba hit that miracle shot. My friends da said that God couldn't have hit that shot under that kind of pressure. Old Pops has played since he was ten. He was more impressed with that shot than any other.

 

I think Zach Johnson will contend in at least two majors this year, but I'm not sure this is the one. I know he won the Masters before, but it was more like a US Open that year. His lack of length generally hurts him at Augusta. I think he's perfect, however, for Hoylake and could really push for a British Open title this summer.

[Fumbleweed 426]

Added John Senden this week as he qualified by winning in Tampa yesterday. One of the best ball strikers in golf...usually suspect in his short game, though. Better shot at a US Open than a Masters for Senden.

 

No changes in the top ten this week. DeLaet was top 10 in Tampa, but has got to figure out a way to get off to a better start on Day One. It's costing him possible wins.

 

24 days now until the opening tee shot...

[TimmySmith 2,782]

I love Spieth, Reed, Watson and Walker.

 

Sergio should never be in any top 10 list

[edjr 5,562]

is it April yet?

[edjr 5,562]

Added John Senden this week as he qualified by winning in Tampa yesterday. One of the best ball strikers in golf...usually suspect in his short game, though. Better shot at a US Open than a Masters for Senden.

 

No changes in the top ten this week. DeLaet was top 10 in Tampa, but has got to figure out a way to get off to a better start on Day One. It's costing him possible wins.

 

24 days now until the opening tee shot...

 

hadn't won in 7 years. Yeah, major respect there. :|

[Cruzer 1,992]

Pretty good list - most all with have the same list with a variation of maybe one or two names.

 

DeLaet, Stricker, Snedeker, Donald, Oosthuizen - no chance. And DJ and Bradley are never going to win the Masters either.

 

Would love to see Kooch win, but prolly won't happen.

[Jeff Garcia 8]

5+ years ago I predicted Woods would never break the Nicklaus's record. At the time, it sounded insane - He was on pace to not only break it, but shatter it.

 

Fast forward to today, I'm a proven genuis.

 

 

[Fumbleweed 426]

Cruzer...Snedeker is playing poorly this year thus far, no doubt. But, he's contended at Augusta twice already. Why cross him off the list? And, Oosthuzien darn near won the thing two years ago.

 

We'll have to disagree on Dustin Johnson. This is his best putting year of his career so far and he is going to tear the par-5s at Augusta up.

[crackattack 513]

I like Phil. Alwsys hope he does well/win.

[posty 2,296]

5+ years ago I predicted Woods would never break the Nicklaus's record. At the time, it sounded insane - He was on pace to not only break it, but shatter it.

 

Fast forward to today, I'm a proven genuis.

Heads or tails?

[DankNuggs 305]

kuchar

[Cruzer 1,992]

Cruzer...Snedeker is playing poorly this year thus far, no doubt. But, he's contended at Augusta twice already. Why cross him off the list? And, Oosthuzien darn near won the thing two years ago.

 

We'll have to disagree on Dustin Johnson. This is his best putting year of his career so far and he is going to tear the par-5s at Augusta up.

This is not the same Snedeker that contended in those prior Masters tournaments. This Snedeker has not been the same golfer since the rib injury. This Snedeker has no top 10's in his 9 events this year - he's barely managed 2 top 25's. In fact you have to go back to Sept. of 2013 for his last top 10. Brandt has also lost his way with the once magial flatstick. He ranks 88th in Strokes Gained Putting, and a shocking 112th in Overall Putting...... I'll pass on him this year.

 

Oosthuizen has been plagued by back trouble since the middle of last year. He was okay for one week during the WGC Match Play - but othe than that he's not played much at all. When he has, it hasn't been good. If he could have a pain free week he could do something - but that's asking a lot right now.

 

DJ - no reason in the world he should't just kill Augusta National. Unfortunately DJ has never shown the ability to put 4 solid rounds together during a major. He has lots of 3 day flashes - but he's not a major finisher. Until he figures it out - I'm out.

[Fumbleweed 426]

OK. I understand your point better now. I thought you were saying that Snedeker and Oosthuzien could never contend. This year, I agree with you. Neither is playing with any sort of form at the moment due in part to injuries as you said.

 

Dustin Johnson did close well in the 2010 PGA Championship. He just made that critical error with the "bunker". I still contend that he can get it done. He's won a tournament every year for seven years now and won a WGC last fall.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Dustin Johnson did close well in the 2010 PGA Championship. He just made that critical error with the "bunker". I still contend that he can get it done. He's won a tournament every year for seven years now and won a WGC last fall.

I'm not sure I'd say DJ closed in that 2010 PGA. What really happened is that Watney completely gagged and shot a final round 81 - his 3 shot lead vanished and a whole slew of people fell back into contention.

 

DJ simply does not have the wedge or putting game to win a Green Jacket. In four tournaments at Augusta National he's posted finishes of 30th, 38th, 38th, and 13th. I do think he will win a major - but I think it will be the PGA.

 

If I had to pick somebody right now - give me Zack Johnson.

[edjr 5,562]

Patrick Reed.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Patrick Reed.

Hey why not? He's plenty long enough, is a really good putter - and he's had to of played several rounds there while at Augusta St. Harris Englis is also built for Augusta National - though not sure his putting is good enough, yet.

[BunnysBastatrds 1,913]

Hogan and Palmer

[Cruzer 1,992]

Well yet another choke job by Adam Scott yesterday. Thank goodness he pulled that Masters out of his ass last year - bcoz this dude has a long, long history of gagging on his own vomit.

[edjr 5,562]

it's 18 degrees today and a snow storm coming Wednesday.

 

Go fock yourself with the Masters talk

[Phurfur 70]

it's 18 degrees today and a snow storm coming Wednesday.

 

Go fock yourself with the Masters talk

Some of us have been golfing twice a week for the last six months

[NewbieJr 540]

Some of us have been golfing twice a week for the last six months

While us working folk supports you. Socialist doosh.

[edjr 5,562]

Some of us have been golfing twice a week for the last six months

 

As old as you are, it probably takes you a week to get through 2 rounds.

[remote controller 133]

PHIL

[SUXBNME 1,328]

Patrick Reed.

Danika Patrick

[WhiteWonder 2,171]

I don't like the way Jordan Spieth is playing at the moment. We've seen him let his emotions get the best of him at the match play and down the stretch of another tournament. He needs to get back on track to factor in this years Masters.

 

Any list has to have Phil on it. Honestly until he is 50+, health permitting.

 

DeLeat is a solid pick. Dustin Johnson would probably be my current favorite.

[Fumbleweed 426]

In fairness, when it comes to PGA Tour events, Scott has converted a third round lead to a victory 6 times out of 10. That's not Tiger-like, but it's not too shabby, either. The British Open collapse has, however, left him open to that label as it was fairly memorable.

[listen2me 23 1,541]

Usually root for Sneds or Bradley these days, hopefully they contend. Hopefully Tiger at least plays to add that element. I think he will. As long as Westwood, Rory, or Scott do not win it, I don't mind who wins. Love this tournament, but I am a little with edjr, doesn't feel like it is this time of year. 32 and sunny here....and that is a very nice day. Looks like some 50s starting next week, hopefully a drop in temperature starts meaning to 40 not 20. We are at least getting out there and hitting some balls with hopes that the course could open any day now. I am hoping it opens by mid April the way it is going now. I'm ready to golf.

[dain11279 927]

Usually root for Sneds or Bradley these days, hopefully they contend. Hopefully Tiger at least plays to add that element. I think he will. As long as Westwood, Rory, or Scott do not win it, I don't mind who wins. Love this tournament, but I am a little with edjr, doesn't feel like it is this time of year. 32 and sunny here....and that is a very nice day. Looks like some 50s starting next week, hopefully a drop in temperature starts meaning to 40 not 20. We are at least getting out there and hitting some balls with hopes that the course could open any day now. I am hoping it opens by mid April the way it is going now. I'm ready to golf.

Where do you normally play? I recall you living pretty close to me (Western NY)

[Fumbleweed 426]

I will probably re-do my top ten the Monday prior to the start of the tournament. When I do, Henrik Stenson will almost certainly crack the top ten. After being hands-down the best player in the world the second half of last year, he had gotten off to a bit of a slow start in 2014...but looked like himself again on the weekend at Bay Hill. If he is indeed re-gaining form at just the right time, he'll be one of the favorites for sure.

[taco breath 419]

dufner

rory

stenson

scott

[edjr 5,562]

dufner

rory

stenson

scott

 

That avatar is so disturbing.

 

:reported: