tschu Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 The 2012 Masters Tournament Augusta National Golf Club Augusta, Georgia It's that glorious time of the year. The time of year where everyone, regardless of age, sex, and sporting interest, comes to appreciate the great game of golf and the classic tournament played between the pines of Augusta National. This is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Masters in history, which is great, because last year's finish is going to be tough to top. Lets meet some of the players: Tiger Woods Tiger is coming off his first victory in 30 months. He has put his famous 'stinger' back into his arsenal and his putting has drastically improved from the start of the year. He leads the PGA tour this year in total driving, a staggering fact considering his driving problems throughout his career. And despite his putting woes early, he is now 8th on tour in strokes gained putting for the year. His game is back, but can he will his way to a victory? He hasn't won at Augusta since 2005. Since then, he has finished 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, 6th, 4th, and 4th. Often with a rickety swing and injuries. Look out. Rory McIlroy Rory had a short-lived sitting on top of the golf world throne (or the OWGR, at least). His game is going through a remarkable streak - his last few months here are his results: 3, 3, 2, 4, 1, 11, 2, 5, 2, 3, 1. That is nuts. He is clearly the future of the game of golf and is probably the guy to beat in golf right now, although Tiger might have something to say about that. And he's proven that he can play Augusta, amassing a 4-stroke lead through 3 rounds before melting down on Sunday last year. He bounced back nicely, dominating the US Open in a fashion that hadn't been seen since Tiger's 15 stroke victory at Pebble in 2000. Can he exorcise his demons and win at Augusta this year? We shall see. Phil Mickelson Phil's wife is very hot. Just thought I'd throw that out there. Anyway, Phil the Thrill is always a force to be reckoned with, at least recently, at Augusta. With a short game that is second-to-none, a game (and handedness) which is thought to perfectly suit Augusta, and a track record of success, it is no surprise that he is the 3rd favorite heading into the tournament. With a win early this year, Phil proved that he isn't going anywhere and will continue to be competitive on the PGA tour for quite some time to come. A few other players to watch: Charl Schwartzel - how will the South African fare defending his title? Jason Day - the Australian had quite the year last year in majors but could never quite close the deal. Don't be shocked if he wins here. Webb Simpson - He appeared to hit rock bottom late last year/early this year, but it looks like he has started to find his game again Padraig Harrington - went through a multitude of swing changes and is greatly improved this year. A 3-time major winner. Ryo Ishikawa - the Japanese phenom got a special exemption, but has struggled so far this year. And my dark horse pick...Mark Wilson. Quote Link to comment
MMAHusker Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Nice post. I love golf. So obviously next week is a huge week for me! I like Mickelson to win. Great course for his game and he is putting very well this year. 3rd on tour for strokes gained putting. If he can hit even 60% of the fairways he will win. Tiger is rounding into form so wouldn't be surprised to see him win either. I have 2 darkhorses. Fred Couples. He always plays well here and won on the senior tour last week. He is playing with the big boys this week as a tune up. If his back holds up he could be there with a chance on Sunday afternoon. Keegan Bradley is my other darkhorse. He's long and straight off the tee and putts pretty well with the belly putter. No matter who wins it should be fun to watch. I would love to visit that course before my lifetime. Most beautiful piece of land for golf IMO of course. Quote Link to comment
It'sNotAFakeID Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Going to have to go with Tiger Woods for the Masters this year. He'll probably stick towards the upper end for the first two days and then make his Saturday charge before another dramatic Sunday. I love The Masters! Quote Link to comment
tschu Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 Phil is leading down in Houston right now. If he should win, that would mean that Tiger and Phil would both be coming off wins going into Augusta. Rory would be coming off a win followed by a 3rd place finish. Pretty crazy. Quote Link to comment
tschu Posted March 30, 2012 Author Share Posted March 30, 2012 Keegan Bradley is my other darkhorse. Whoa whoa whoa....the #9 favorite, #20 ranked, defending PGA champion is not exactly a dark horse. Quote Link to comment
MMAHusker Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I guess your right about Keegan. He's not the first tier of choices for many people but probably in that second tier. Quote Link to comment
It'sNotAFakeID Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Playing on ESPNs Bestball Major Challenge, I believe my group consists of all American players. Tiger Woods Robert Garrigus (hopefully a guy that just hangs around for the weekend, but because I picked Tiger, I needed to pick a low tier player) Bubba Watson Nick Watney I'd say Watney could give a good run at the Green Jacket this year, and he is my under the radar pick. Just 6 days away! Quote Link to comment
NUance Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 What are some good sites for research on players? Quote Link to comment
tschu Posted March 31, 2012 Author Share Posted March 31, 2012 I hardly ever use any particular sites, just a lot of googling, wikipedia, and the PGA Tour's website for some stats. I wish I knew a better stat site myself though. Quote Link to comment
tschu Posted March 31, 2012 Author Share Posted March 31, 2012 Also, Tiger is winning this. He is. He just is. Quote Link to comment
T_O_Bull Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 This is a great tourney and the only thing I find fault with is that CBS threats it like a pseudo religious event in its commercials. T_O_B G>B>R Quote Link to comment
Mavric Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 Tiger has been putting up some good rounds this year but couldn't put together four in a row until two weeks ago. With how well he knows Augusta and how well it suits him, if he plays close to how he did a couple weeks ago, he should have it. Quote Link to comment
tschu Posted April 3, 2012 Author Share Posted April 3, 2012 I am so f'ing pumped. 2 more days... Quote Link to comment
krc1995 Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 Two days! We have spring break this week so I actually get to watch the whole thing. Wish I could go... Last year was amazing, with Rory's collaspe. I guess it didn't get to him too much- he's my pick this year Quote Link to comment
tschu Posted April 3, 2012 Author Share Posted April 3, 2012 This is a great tourney and the only thing I find fault with is that CBS threats it like a pseudo religious event in its commercials. T_O_B G>B>R Most of the marketing and how the broadcast is run is completely out of CBS's hands. They don't even pay that much relative to what it should cost to broadcast the Masters, because they have to put up with so many specific rules outlined by Billy Payne and his Confederate Army Quote Link to comment
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