Who will Win the Masters?

The Masters is a tough competition. Augusta National is a tough course. It’s a long course (7445 yards at last count)! But what is it that makes it so hard?

Lumps. Bumps. Slopes....and that's just the fairways!

Apart from the tee shots, there is barely an even lie on the whole course.

And then there are the infamous greens!

Augusta National greens are not at all level. They all tilt and turn this way and that way. Like on most courses the game can be won and lost on the greens, but at Augusta it is a crucial part of the game. You have to be able to pick the exact part of the green to land the ball on or otherwise you will find it rolling away from the pin...or even off the green altogether.

We all remember Tiger chipping in at the 16th at the 2005 Masters. He had to aim way wide of the hole and then watch as the ball curved around and ambled its way into the hole. Incredible!. Here is the video again if you missed it:

Tiger Woods 16th Hole 2005 Masters



So what will the players need to do to stand a chance of winning?

Firstly they will need to know the course, particularly the greens. They will need to pick the landing zones on the greens, and then pick the best place to attack that position from. They must have excellent course management.

Secondly they must have good control over the ball from all the uneven lies they will encounter.

Thirdly, and arguably most importantly, they must be able to control the ball on the green. At Augusta that means mastering reading the slope and speed of the greens, and having precise distance control in putting.


So, the winner of the Green Jacket will be….

…. the player who has the best game plan and course management, and controls his ball the best on the green.

Ok...so I couldn't put a name to the winner!

Who do you think will win?