Predicting the winner of the year’s first Major Championship is always difficult, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun trying. EuropeanTour.com asked some of the experts for their view on who will be wearing the Green Jacket on Sunday night...
Iain Carter, BBC golf correspondent
Tip to win: Rory McIlroy.I think he is never more dangerous than when people aren’t talking about him, and because Dustin Johnson has done so much this year, combined with the fact that Rory hasn’t played much, means he comes in a little under the radar this time, much the same way he did for all of his Major successes so far. He was outside the top 11 in the world when he won the BMW PGA Championship, which set him off on the way to those three wins. He missed a string of cuts before winning his first Major at Congressional. No-one wants to win it more than him, no-one is more talented than him, I think, even with what Dustin is doing, so this could be the time for Rory.
Dark Horse: Hideki Matsuyama.He has played a lot of very good golf in Major Championships, but now comes into this with a string of wins behind him. He’s been slightly off the boil the last couple of weeks, but I’ve thought he would have a very good chance for some time, and he played well here last year.
Keith Jackson, Sky Sports.com
Tip to win: Rory McIlroy. Based on the weather, it would be Rory. I just think he is going to do it this year. He spoke last year about the mental hurdle, giving an open and honest interview after his last round, but I get the feeling he will come good. I know they have the sub-air system here, which nullifies the weather slightly, but if it is playing long and damp, then I think he can do it.
Dark Horse: Paul Casey.There is just something different about him this year. He looks more relaxed, more comfortable on the course and happy with life. He has been playing well and he has a good record here, and I think he isn’t putting as much pressure on himself now. I think he is a good shout for leading Englishman, and I think he will surprise a few people this year.
Doug Ferguson, Associated Press (US)
Tip to win: Dustin Johnson.It has to be DJ until proven otherwise. He hasn’t lost in two months. I know he has only played three tournaments, but technically he hasn’t lost in two months. What I’m hearing from players over the last two weeks, is they are close to putting him in the tone I’ve not heard since Tiger. I never heard that mentioned for Rory or Jason or Jordan or Henrik, that sense of we haven’t seen this since Tiger.
Dark horse: Brandt Snedeker. You almost have to say anyone but Dustin is a dark horse right know, but I like the idea of Brandt Snedeker. This years is one of the best list of tournament winners going into a Major since 2007, when you had Tiger, Phil and Vijay win on the west coast and you had Tiger, and Vijay and Adam Scott win on the Florida/Houston swing. It was building up to it was going to be the best Masters ever, and it was won by this normal guy from Cedar Rapids, Zach Johnson. So I think Snedeker is as normal as they come, from Nashville, so he is your dark horse.
Martin Hardenberger, Expressen (Sweden)
Tip to win: Dustin Johnson/Rory McIlroy. I think it will be between Rory and Dustin. Rory plays well here usually and hits a draw, which suits this golf course. With the weather softening up the course a bit I think it’s very good news for him. His length is going to be very useful as well. Dustin because he’s the World Number One – although with him playing a fade a lot that might work against him a bit.
Dark horse: Jon Rahm.Even though he’s been playing well and people might not think he’s actually an outsider, I think he’s got a really good chance. Like the other main contenders he’s long off the tee as well. And a fun anecdote – the last time a player won on a Monday, which could come into play here with the weather forecast for the week, it was Seve Ballesteros. They’re both Spaniards, and history usually plays its part here at Augusta.
David Facey, The Sun (UK)
Tip to win: Jordan Spieth.It’s that two year cycle of second, first, second, first, which I think will kick in again. He has had three attempts, and he just knows how to play this course. I can’t see him falling apart again like he did last year.
Dark horse: Charl Schwartzel.He has been running back into form and the way he won here, with those four birdies to finish, shows he won’t back away, and I think he is going to have a really good year.
Philip Chassepot, Liberation (France)
Tip to win: Jordan Spieth. He is very comfortable around here, of course, and life is all about redemption. After what happened last year, to see him as the winner would be a fantastic story for us.
Dark horse: Jon Rahm. He has something special. He has risen very quickly in the world ranking and he is very confident. Spaniards have done well round Augusta, so I think he is a good choice.
John Huggan, Golf Digest
Tip to win: Jordan Spieth. I can’t get my head round anybody else but Jordan on this golf course. He is the one guy in the top six who doesn’t play the same game. Six guys have separated themselves from everyone else, but he is a little different to the other five. Their strengths and weaknesses are pretty much the same, but his strength is their weakness, and his weakness his their strength. I think his game is a better fit on this golf course.
Dark Horse: Tyrrell Hatton.If he can keep his head on, which is the only questions mark you could have about him, then I love his technique. I think he hits an awful lot of good shots. It also depends whether he can handle the greens first time round, but I think he is a great shout.
