The build-up to this year’s Masters has all been about Tiger Woods and whether or not the five-time champion will play.
But ahead of the opening round at Augusta, Standard Sport predicts four players who will be vying for their first Green Jacket come Sunday.
Cameron Smith
The Australian looks so at ease at Augusta, the undulating course appearing to play perfectly to his strengths, and his runner-up spot in 2020 is among three top-10 finishes in five Augusta appearances.
A two-time winner on Tour this year, most notably at the Players, he ought to be among the leading contenders.
Scottie Scheffler
Three wins already in 2022 – at the Phoenix Open, Arnold Palmer Invitational and WGC Match Play – have made the American the form golfer on the PGA Tour but also the world No1.
On paper, he should relish Augusta where he has two top-20 finishes although his best Major finish is fourth at the 2020 PGA.
Jon Rahm
Solid rather than spectacular would be the best way to describe the former world No1’s golf this season although he clearly relishes Augusta’s fairways and greens.
In his last four appearances, he has not finished lower than ninth, while his only other appearance – on debut in 2017 – he was 27th.
Viktor Hovland
The Norwegian still has question marks about his short game but his driving and putting are among the very best.
He was 32nd on his Augusta debut as an amateur and finished 21st in his only appearance since. A winner this season at the Dubai Desert Classic, he was also runner-up at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
