2014 Masters Preview: The Top 10 Contenders.

If you’ve read the blog in the past, you know we’ll take a peek at  golf from once in awhile, especially when it’s time for one of the four majors.  The Master’s is this week, but one major star will not be playing. Tiger Woods, due to a recent a back surgery, will not be in the field. Woods would have been one of the favorites, though his days of being a prohibitive favorite at any major are long gone.

Let me give you the 10 players who have the best chance to win this week.

1. Matt Kuchar

Despite not quite being able to close the deal at the Houston, Kuchar is still coming off two consecutive top 5 finishes. He’s had 6 top 10’s this year on the PGA Tour. Kuchar has the complete package to win his first major. He has top 10’s in his past 2 Masters. Kuchar has been on the cusp of  a major break through  that past few seasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes this year’s Master’s his first major. He also in the top 20 in putting. Putting is key at Augusta on those lightening quick greens.

All Sports Discussion Odds of Winning: 10 to 1

2. Rory Mcilory

With Tiger Woods out of the field, only Phil Mickelson is as naturally gifted a player as Rory Mcilory. Mcilory already a 2 time major winner looks ready to contend this week at Augusta. Already this season he has 3 top 10 finishes, and fired a 65 in the final round on the Houston Open. There’s no reason to go into the details of Rory’s game, because we know when he’s on he can play any course in the world.

All Sports Discussion Odds of Winning: 12 to 1

3. Phil Mickelson

Mickelson’s strong finish at this past weeks Houston’s Open, let everyone know Mickelson’s health is good. Phil Mickelson won the British Open just last year, so he definitely still has the game to win another couple of majors in his career. He’s a 3 time winner of the Masters and a frequent contender. Mickelson has a whopping 14 top 10 finishes at Augusta. I expect him to be in the hunt.

All Sports Discussion Odds of Winning: 15 to 1

4. Jason Day

Jason Day is only 26 years old, and before he’s done he will be a multiple major winner. You can mark that down. Last year he finished in the top 10 of 3 majors, and already has 6 in his career, including 2 top 3’s in Masters. He won the WGC Accenture World Match play earlier this year.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 18 to 1

5. Dustin Johnson

It’s only a matter of time before Dustin Johnson wins a Masters. He is the 2nd longest driver on Tour. Augusta is known for it’s greens, but long hitters have a big advantage on this course where accuracy is not as critical as at other majors. That favors Johnson. Why he hasn’t contended at the Master is a bit of a surprise, but if his putting holds up he’ll be there on the leaderboard on Sunday.

All Sports Discussion Odds of Winning: 20 to 1

6. Bubba Watson

Speaking of players who can bomb it, Bubba Watson can absolutely destroy a golf ball off the tee. It certainly helps to have short irons into those Augusta greens. Watson is a past Master’s winner, and after struggling some since that win in 2012, his game is rounding into form. He won the Northern Trust Open and has two other second place finishes. With Watson, he just needs to keep his emotions in check, becuase he’s playing well enough to win a 2nd green jacket.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 25 to 1

7. Zach Johnson

Zach Johnson is one of the most underrated elite players in the world. He’s already a Masters winner (2207), and he’s 11 time PGA winner. He’s won once this season, and has 4 top 10 finishes. He’s not the longest player on tour, but his short game is so good even on a long ball course like Augusta National, Johnson can get into contention.  He’s had top 10’s in his last two majors.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 30 to 1

8. Adam Scott

What’s not like about Adam Scott? He’s ranked number 2 in the world, he’s hasn’t a finish outside the top 25 this year, and he knows how to win a Masters. Scott is the defending champion. He has the game and is playing well enough to win this week, but there is just one problem. Repeating at the Masters is pretty rare. Only 3 players have ever done it, Tiger Woods (2001-2002), Nick Faldo (1989-1990), and Jack Nicklaus (1965-1966). Scott would join some elite company if he could pull off the trick.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 40 to 1

9.  Lee Westwood

Westwood has been a fixture as a major championship contender for years. Since 2009 he’s finished in the top 10 of at least 2 majors every year, including 3 of the last 4 years in the Masters. Westwood has dropped into the high 30s in the world rankings, and he doesn’t have a top 10 result this year on the PGA Tour. He didn’t win on either major tour the PGA or European last year. His window may be closing, but I think he’s got a run in him. I just can’t ignore how often he gets into major contention.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 45 to 1

10. Sergio Garcia

The 10th spot on my contender list always goes to a under the radar player. Sergio Garcia just finished 3rd at the Houston Open, and he has 3 other top 10’s this year. He’s contended in the Master’s before, and after a couple lean years Garcia is starting to play well. He’s moved back into the top 10 in the world. If Garcia’s head is right, he certainly has a shot at his first major.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 50 to 1