Mark Roberson: Bubba Watson is peaking as Masters looms
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tiger is back. Phil is doing Phil things again . . . and Bubba? He too is on top of his game as the world’s most spectacular golf tournament unfolds on Thursday amid all the azaleas and magnolias and blue-dyed ponds of Augusta National.
What could rain on this parade? Well, rain itself. Thunderstorms are forecasted for Saturday afternoon, but the other days should be clear.
The spotlight for this Masters is on the veterans and the young stars alike. Tiger Woods, who has won the tournament four times, was sharp in a half-round practice Tuesday. He played the back nine and scored eagles on both of the par-5s.
Here are six Masters picks that I think have a strong chance to don the Green Jacket this Sunday. Or Monday, if there’s an extended rain delay.
1. Bubba Watson
The Masters rewards shot-shaping and creativity. And the Augusta National layout favors left-handed swingers. Bubba finally has his swagger back after ranking 117th early in the year. He has won twice on the PGA tour so far this season. His most recent win was an impressive victory in the Dell Match Play in Austin. Don’t sleep on this two-time Masters champion.
2. Justin Thomas
Few golfers have been hotter than the #2 player in the world this year. He has two wins on the PGA Tour and five top-10 finishes this season. He won the most recent major, the PGA Championship last August. He is playing well in every facet of the game. He has not been especially effective in this tournament (T-39 and T-22), but he should be in contention down the stretch on Sunday.
3. Phil Mickelson
In this year of the rejuvenated lefty, the old dog broke what was almost a 5-year losing streak when he won the WGC Mexico Championship (where Thomas finished second after a late run). At 47, Lefty has his touch back, which will come in handy around the most dangerous greens the professionals see all year. Mickelson is enjoying his first-ever streak of four straight top-6 finishes, and he has won this tournament three times. Could he supplant Jack Nicklaus as the oldest Masters winner?
4. Tiger Woods
Yes, he’s back. And the golf world is ablaze. Tiger is in excellent health, posting some solid rounds leading up to this Masters. At the Las Vegas books he’s 10/1 co-favorite with Jordan Spieth. Tiger still isn’t driving as far as he did prior to back surgery, but the rest of his game is close to peak form – most notably his putting. If he can gain the lead at any point during this tournament, I would not be surprised to see him run away with it.
5. Henrik Stenson
Iceman has played exceedingly well leading up to the Masters. He finished in a tie for sixth in last weekend’s Houston Open after a fourth place in the Arnold Palmer. He doesn’t have a great track record at the tournament and has never won, but he is doing what he does best again, and that is nailing greens. I can see Stenson surprising this year’s field.
6. Rickie Fowler
Fowler was making a great run last week at the Houston Open before melting down late on Saturday. He is firing on all cylinders going into this tournament, just needing to work on his mental game. I think Rickie can overcome his major woes and win this year. Don’t forget, he was in contention going into Sunday last year as well.