Golf’s a funny game. Not only is there the obvious physical aspect of the game that has to be taken into account, but golf requires a mental focus and consistency that trumps almost any other major sport out there. You can all of the physical tools working in harmony but if the 6 inches between your ears isn’t right, you’ve got no chance. The Masters is not the most difficult tournament of the year. The USGA makes sure of that by turning the US Open into a massacre most years. But it does require probably more focus and mental acuity than any other Major. The undulating fairways that decide the difference between trouble and a clear approach with a razors edge, the greens that are like putting on glass, and just the overall awe inspiring atmosphere, all require a golfer be on mental point 100% of the time to have a chance on Sunday. The fact that Bubba Watson took home a green jacket was simply amazing because that was probably the only 4 days in his life that didn’t have the attention span of a racquetball.
This week the field is wide open. Tiger Woods being out has very little REAL impact on the tournament because honestly he hasn’t been the player he was at his peak for years. I think momentum will play a major factor in this tournament because regardless of how much pub Rory McIlroy gets, there is no prohibitive favorite in my opinion.
My Pick to win The Masters: Dustin Johnson +2700
Here are my selections for matchup plays:
-Jason Day Vs. Dustin Johnson Tournament
Jason Day has had a nagging left thumb injury. That thumb is significantly more important to your grip than say a ring finger or something ESPECIALLY on the left hand. While physically it may have little impact, you can be sure it will be in the back of his mind. With golf being such a muscle memory sport, even a little time off leading into such a big event can have a significant impact. Johnson on the other hand has some momentum coming into the tournament with a WGC win thus far. While he had to withdraw from the Houston Open with a stiff back, I don’t expect that to have much impact on his thought process going into this week. Johnson had his best showing at the Masters last year, and barring a 2nd round 76 he had opportunity to be in the hunt on Sunday. Johnson wins this matchup handily in my opinion, and will be in the last few pairings on Sunday with a chance to cash the +2700 ticket.
Selection: Dustin Johnson +105
-Angel Cabrera Vs. Graeme McDowell Tournament
Like Day, Cabrera comes into this tournament with an injury on his mind. This time it’s a left shoulder. While he posted a nice 68 at the Houston Open, asking somebody to bring their “A” game with an injury to the Masters is a different task altogether. We all know Cabrera seems to rise to the occasion when he steps onto the course at Augusta, I think this is where age and injury finally catch up with him. On the other side McDowell has been playing solid golf and while his best finish at the Masters is 12th, he is no stranger to the intensity of a Major as I watched him dominate the US Open field in at Pebble in person. McDowell is in his prime and should take this match going away.
Selection: Graeme McDowell (-1.5) -130
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