As fans everywhere study the numbers to put together their firstFantasy Race to Dubaiteam of the year, we take a look at three players perhaps not on your radar who could be worthy of selection this week. Our stats expert has already picked hisFantasy Three to Watch, but what about the dark horses?
Ian Poulter
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It doesn’t take much to get Ian Poulter motivated for a golf tournament, but the Masters is extra special for the Englishman. With work to do to secure his place on Darren Clarke’s Ryder Cup team in September, 'Poults' will be keen to continue his good form at Augusta, having made the cut there in all but one of his 11 starts. With three top tens in his last six visits, and a top three last week in Puerto Rico, the 40 year old will look to join Mark O’Meara as the only player to win his first Major at the Masters over the age of 40.
Jamie Donaldson
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After a memorable 2014 which included the shot that ensured victory for Europe in the Ryder Cup, Jamie Donaldson struggled a little in 2015, but the Welshman is coming back into form as he arrives at Augusta. He has notched two successive top 20 finishes in America, and picked up a win just eight starts ago in Thailand. Armed with the all-round game that Augusta demands, Donaldson will hope to build on the success of a top 15 finish here two years ago as he looks to become only the second Major Champion from Wales after Ian Woosnam.
Rafa Cabrera-Bello
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Only six players have earned more World Ranking points in 2016 than Rafa Cabrera-Bello. The Spaniard notched back-to-back runner up finishes in Qatar and Dubai earlier in the year, and clinched his spot at Augusta with a third place finish at the WGC-Dell Match Play two weeks ago. Another top five finish followed last week, and the two-time European Tour winner will hope to make his first visit to Augusta a memorable one and emulate the Masters successes of his celebrated compatriots, José María Olazábal and Seve Ballesteros.
So there you have it. Time to change yourFantasy Race to Dubaiteam? You have until Wednesday night to confirm your starting line-up.
