European Tour statistician Steve Doughty picks his five to watch at this week’s Masters Tournament, the first Major of the season.
Jamie Donaldson
Playing in only his second Masters Tournament, having made his debut last year. Although he missed the cut 12 months ago he has improved vastly and is now among the top 30 in the world. Although yet to win this season, proved he can handle the big stage when finishing in a tie for second in last month’s WGC- Cadillac Championship, just a shot behind Patrick Reed. He followed that by being the equal top points scorer in the EURASIA CUP presented by DRB-HICOM, winning two and a half points out of a possible three. Will have a good chance of finishing top European player on current form. Charl Schwartzel won on his second appearance in 2011, so why not the Welshman?
Sergio Garcia
Fifteen years on since the last European winner of the Masters Tournament, will it be the time of Sergio Garcia to follow in the footsteps of fellow Spanish player José María Olazábal and wear the Green Jacket on Sunday evening? Has been in fine form in 2014, winning the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, albeit back in January. Although has yet to really challenge on the final day at Augusta, he has finished tied 12th in 2012 and tied eighth last year. Finished third in his last tournament, the Shell Houston Open. He did share the lead after the first round in 2013, recording a 66 (-6).
Rory McIlroy
The only Major Championship he has not recorded a top ten finish in, his best being a tie for 15th in 2011. Although yet to win in 2014 approaches Augusta in good shape, following a final day 65 at the Shell Houston Open, to tie for seventh. Would become the first Northern Irishman to win at Augusta should he pull it off and would just be the Open Championship away from the Grand Slam.
Justin Rose
After winning the 2013 US Open Championship, will be looking for a second Major title. Now knows his game can stand up to the ultimate pressure. Although he has not played a huge amount this season due to his injury, was tied eighth at the Valspar Championship in March. Has a consistent record at Augusta in recent years. Has finished in the top 25 in each of the last four years. Has a best of tied fifth in 2007. Has made the halfway cut in all his eight previous outings. Could he be the first English winner since Sir Nick Faldo in 1996?
Henrik Stenson
The dominant player of 2013, European Number One Henrik Stenson now has a first Major in his sights. Playing his ninth Masters he has got the experience to mount a challenge and while his Masters Tournament record is modest with a best finish of tied 17th in 2007 and 2008, with tied 18th last year, he finished in the top three in both The Open and the US PGA Championship last year. His final round of 69 last year was his first round in the 60s so good foundation to build on. No Swede has won a Major but Henrik could be the man to put that stat right this week.
