A quick one line rumble through the field - I fancy covering everyone so I can see exactly why I discounted the winner in the end
First lot...
Robert Allenby – Indifferent form coming into this and has never really shown the consistency to be able to build on a good start.
Stephen Ames – Never been a fast starter and after a week off I cant see him getting off to the flyer necessary this week.
Stuart Appleby – Started the season very strongly but dipping again coming into this – good result last year but in different conditions should be an also ran again.
Woody Austin – As good as a debutant not having played for over 10 years – slighty too erratic to be considered I think.
Aaron Baddeley – One of the few that don’t have course form in with a big chance IMO – impeccable ball striker and has the ability to blitz this course which should suit his game. One for the shortlist.
Angel Cabrera – Course will suit his game as he showed with a T8 in 2006. Form is questionable with 2 MCs and a Withdrawal in his last 3– would like further info on how he’s feeling coming into this.
Jonathan Byrd – Nothing to suggest a big performance this week.
Mark Calcavecchia – Always consistent but this isn’t really the course for him to genuinely threaten.
K.J. Choi – Always a big danger if he can get into contention – his wire to wire win in Hawaii proves that mental strength once again. With the 50/1 gone tho I cant make a case for backing at just over 40/1 on a course that doesn’t really suit.
Paul Casey – Struggling to regain form of the last 2 years and he just doesn’t have the consistency to put 4 solid rounds together at the moment.
Daniel Chopra – Strong end to 07 but can be erratic at times, and Augusta likely to find him out on his first try,
Stewart Cink – Another that shows superb consistency, but seems to lack the mental toughness that will be required for this. Possible Top 10, but not an outright punt IMO.
Tim Clark – Very streaky player with a hopelessly weak mental game. 2nd in ’06, but again his inability to close out makes him a place possibility rather than an outright.
Fred Couples – 3rd in ’06 and comes into this playing superbly. Drive is still massive, and he’s well rehearsed round here. With plenty crowd support, looks a big price at the moment.
Luke Donald – Can’t have him at such a price – game tends to struggle under pressure and hasn’t shown much round to round consistency.
Ernie Els – Question marks over whether the hunger is still there for Ern. Has struggled this season with both fitness and form, and also with Augusta since it was lengthened. Not the one for him.
Nick Dougherty – debutant, but he’s pretty fearless and will absolutely go for it this week. Seems to be enjoying himself at the moment and has the ability, if not the consistency, to put one stellar round in. Perhaps a decent ‘make the cut’ punt.
Niclas Fasth – Form mixed this year and course may not be to his liking.
Jim Furyk – Form and course record is fairly ordinary – the outsider of the big names at 50+ but even at that price he’s hard to back at the moment.
Sergio Garcia – Such a talented player, such a dreadful putter. You have to be able to putt to post low scores at Augusta and until he sorts that out I cant back him.
Retief Goosen – Course form is stellar, recent form is not. However, shown a couple of possible signs of recovery of late, and might just enjoy it round here. Possible place punt.
Soren Hansen – Debutant, although game is solid enough, if not spectacular enough, to deal with that well.
Anders Hansen – Good potential but first time round here and a little too erratic to see as any sort of threat.
Padraig Harrington – Open win should stand him in good stead for this – pressure off and can enjoy it. His course management is good and I can see him going well this week, although at sub 30s is tough to back.
J.B. Holmes – Huge drive and often underrated player, wouldn’t be surprised to see him go the best of all debutants.
Charles Howell – Fairly uninspiring player and the course doesn’t suit.
Trevor Immelman – Heaps of potential but not realizing it this year. Not the one for him.
Zach Johnson – Title holder but course isn’t suited to his game. Unlikely to see the weather give such assistance this time, and rivals will have learnt from his superb course management last year if it is.
Miguel-Angel Jimenez – Started well a few times this year but failed to capitalize – price looks big though.
Robert Karlsson – plenty ability but Augusta doesn’t really sit well with his game – not much form to speak of this year but again, price does look on the large side for a capable player like him.
Jerry Kelly – failed to turn any potential winning or high placing positions into actual good performances this year, but got the potential to start fast.
Bernhard Langer – About the only oldy with any sort of chance – on stunning form on the Seniors tour, but course isn’t really for him.
Hunter Mahan – always a handy ‘1st round leader’ punt – has the ability to shoot the lights out on any course, but consistency over 4 rounds still the big problem.
Phil Mickelson – hmm, current form, average, course form, stunning. I’ve read that in some columns that his game is superb coming into this, that its in bits in others. Last week he said his short game needs work – which is usually his strongest point. Need more info but tricky to back at current price.
Shaun Micheel – shocking run lately and missed last 2 masters cuts. No thanks.