The Masters:
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Course: Augusta National Golf Club
Par: 72
Length: 7,435 yards
Prize Pool: $8,000,000
Last Years Champion: Bubba Watson
Masters week is here and the biggest question on the minds of golf enthusiasts, who will be adding a green jacket to their wardrobe at the end of the week? There are 94 of the worlds top golfers all gunning for title of Masters Champion. There are 19 past champions in this years field, including all the winners from the past 16 years. Combined, these 19 players have won 28 Masters titles, dating as far back as 1977 (Tom Watson).
Needless to say, the field is stacked with potential champions, making it extremely challenging to narrow down a list of favorites. Here's a look at my top picks, which includes players who've played great so far this season and others who I think are ready to elevate their game...
Tiger Woods - There's really no need to explain why Woods, a four time winner at Augusta, should be a top contender again this year. Not to mention he's had an amazing start to the 2013 season with three victories with no signs of slowing down.
Bubba Watson - The defending champion made a lasting impression on the game of golf with his 'miracle' shot to win him the green jacket. Although he hasn't won on Tour since, he continues to play great golf, is one of the longest hitters off the tee and is currently sixth in greens hit in regulation.
Jason Day - I've really enjoyed watching Day compete this season and I think he's motivated to raise to the occasion. After finishing T2 in the 2011 Masters, Day had to withdraw last year with an ankle injury. Judging from his consistent play in 2013, not missing a cut in six starts, I think he'll be looking to make an impression.
Justin Rose - No stranger to Masters competition with seven appearances, Rose should be well prepared having rested for the last three weeks. Among his seven Masters appearances, hes accumulated five top 25 finishes.
Graeme McDowell - McDowell is another who has been solid so far in 2013 with three top 10 finishes in just five starts. He knows the pressure of playing in this tournament, and I think he'll be a top contender looking to improve upon his top-20 finish last year.
It's tough overlooking others in the field like three time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, or Rory McIlroy who may have regained his confidence coming off a second place finish last week at the Valero Texas Open. The list of potential victors goes on and on, but only time will tell who will become the 2013 Masters Champion. If the tournament is half as thrilling as it was last year, we're in store for a fantastic week of golf!
Here's a look at my completed fantasy picks:
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This article was written by Scott Stevens and is part of the Eat Sleep Golf - Fantasy Golf series which focuses on introducing upcoming PGA Tour events as well as evaluating the field of players. We encourage you to comment below and/or join in the conversation with us on Twitter using #FantasyGolf & #PGATour. Be sure to connect with us @EatSleepGolf
