US Masters 2012 Discussion Thread

[PS]

First off, I know this is in European sports and is an American golfing event but I'm hoping people from both sides of the water can join in on this! Also not sure if this will really get much interest, but I'm an avid golf fan and I know there's a few other members who at least care a little about big tournaments so what the hell. This is probably one of the three biggest weeks of the golfing year for 2012 and with what's been going on the past few weeks it should be a fantastic event.

The big story is obviously Tiger getting his comeback win a couple of weeks ago, and the possibility of him and Rory slugging it out down the stretch for the green jacket! And though that is what many people want to see, it'd be all to easy to forget some of the other main challengers, such as Westy, Lefty and Luke! I know I for one can't wait!

Taking a look at the 76th Masters, which begins Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club:

- Can Tiger Woods win his fifth green jacket?

It’s been seven years since Woods last won the Masters, beating Chris DiMarco in a playoff. He hasn’t won a major championship since the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. But with his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational a week ago, Woods confirmed his return to prominence. He’s been stuck on 14 major championships for a long time.

- Will Rory McIlroy get redemption?

For three days last April, Rory McIlroy was borderline magnificent at the Masters. Then came Sunday and a final-round 80 that included his playing a shot from beside a cabin on the 10th hole and four-putting the 12th green. Two months later, he vanquished the field at the U.S. Open and now he’s trading the No. 1 spot in the world with Luke Donald. Many believe this is his week.

- Will there be a new major champion?

Donald and Lee Westwood are first and third, respectively, in the world rankings but neither has won a major. Westwood has played in 12 Masters but managed only two top-10 finishes, which might speak to his putting more than anything. Donald has three top-10s in seven Masters appearances including a third-place in 2005. He’s nothing if not steady. And then there’s Steve Stricker. His track record at Augusta isn’t very good – five missed cuts in 11 starts – but if it’s about putting, it’s hard to leave him out of the discussion.

- Beyond the obvious

Once you get past the favorites, who might be able to come in like Charl Schwartzel last year and win the green jacket?

Justin Rose looks ready to win a major. Same for Hunter Mahan. Keegan Bradley keeps hanging around leader boards. And what if Bubba Watson is in the hunt on Sunday afternoon?

Either way this should be a great week of golf. Who all's going to be watching? Anybody got any feelings on who's going to win? Give us your views!

[Nash]

Luke Donald for me.

The course begs for consistency, and New Tiger is not yet there in that regard.

It's Donald's time for his first major.

Oh, PS made the threaD? tl;dr

[PS]

I dunno, Tiger was fantastic in his last outing.

His driving was amazing, something that is never linked to Tiger, even at his peak. He actually led driving stats which just never happens! People always say Augusta suits a draw though and Tiger's draw hasn't been working quite so well as in the past, he's been relying on a beautifully controlled fade. The other big positive for Tiger though is his clutch putting was back to what we expect from him, and to win a green jacket you need to be putting well. Think he made 64 of 67 putts inside 10 feet or something ridiculously good like that! I certainly can't see him not being at least in contention coming to the close on Sunday.

But yeah, Luuuuukkkeee is always a good call. Mr Consistent and remarkably, despite being world #1, he's barely getting a mention in the lead-up to this. Must be a little disenchanting for him but I think it might actually help him. He won't have the same pressure on him as Rory and Tiger, which allows him to just plot his way round, and like I already said, putting is such a huge thing at Augusta and there aren't many better than Luke! I stuck £20 on him each way btw.

Then we've got my good pal Rory! I can't not back him (£50 on him as outright winner ). It'd be such a great story after the disaster he had last year. It was hard not to feel sorry for him after the outrageous collapse he had in last year's final round in front of the world's eyes. Seeing a young man basically crying on live television wasn't the nicest thing to watch, but as we all know he learnt a lot from it and has came back so much stronger and better. The most important thing is, he's improved his putting a lot and has started to look like he's more used to winning now. He's the most consistent golfer in the world, based off the last 6 months, even more so than Luke. Bring it home for Norn Iron Rors!

[Tebow]

My sleeper pick to win this.. K.J. Choi.. watch him

[Fuji Vice]

I feel its definitely Donald's time to shine here, but Augusta is a heartbreaking course (see Norman) so anything can really happen. I have a soft spot for Fred Couples, who seemingly is always able to turn back the clock on the first day and sometimes the second. I am still convinced that of the older guys who play The Masters every year, he always has an outside shot of winning. Augusta is a shot maker's course, not one for the bombers, so anyone who has their approach and short game firing on all cylinders has a great chance.

Can't wait though, The Masters is one of my favourite sporting events of the year.

[PS]

**** camera man work but basically he skips the ball off the water and holes it in a practice round. Every player generally tries that on the 16th in their practice round for the crowd to enjoy. Kaymer is only the second hole in one I've ever saw, Vijay being the other. His is a much better camera angle so I'll show it here too.



Cannot freaking wait for tomorrow

Oh and also par 3 challenge tonight ftw. Donald won it last year but has decided not to compete this year. The curse of winning is of course that nobody has ever won it has won the green jacket the same year!

[Fuji Vice]

Those were pretty awesome PS, never seen them before so thanks. Can't wait for the Par 3 Challenge, just an hour or so to go!

[Tebow]

You know how many balls I lost in the water trying to imitate them at my local course? alot..

Tomorrow is gonna be awesome! I think Rory will get his redemption this year but if not, I have K.J. Choi as a sleeper pick to win this.

[PeepShow]

Shame that the Par 3 Shootout was canceled after than rain delay. Hopefully the rest of the week/weekend will be nice.

It's so hard to say Tiger's back after one win, but he's still the favorite in my eyes. If it's not Tiger this week, I think it will be Rory's time, especially after last years collapse. Like others have said, Donald is a good choice, and sleeper in my eyes, even though he's the world's number 1. Also wouldn't be surprised if guys like Adam Scott or Hunter Mahan were in the mix on Sunday.

[MorbidTakerFan]

Ill be watching McIlroy, Day, and Westwood. I can't back Woods off of just one win and the thought that he has suddenly got his groove back. Will be eagerly watching but they are calling for much the same weather as they had yesterday in the par 3 challenge so I don't see day 1 going the full duration, to be honest.