Rory’s Slam at last or No. 15 for Tiger? NCG predicts the Masters
So who will be slipping into the Green Jacket on Sunday?
Joe: Rory McIlroy will look good in green.
Dan: I’ve long been suspicious of McIlroy at Augusta but a combination of ever-increasing maturity, five straight Masters top-10s and his exceptional early-season form suggests to me that this could be his year.
Harvey: So much heartbreak and nights spent sobbing into a pillow – and that’s just me. So McIlroy, please.
Hannah: McIlroy is playing great and has had so many good results already this season.
Alex: McIlroy. Next.
Mark: We do this at every major, identify five clear favourites and then someone else sneaks in. Jason Day is due another one.
Steve: Brooks Koepka, who was injured last year, has improved every time he has played Augusta National. Given he’s the current man for the majors, I’d expect a strong challenge this time. I always think this course is perfect for DJ but he’s never quite managed it.
And finally, because he’s the only golfer we care about, where will Tiger finish?
Mark: I think I care more about at least 15 other players before I start thinking about Tiger. Top 10 but won’t threaten.
Steve: I think he’s in better shape than he was 12 months ago and lots of wise pundits reckon Augusta is his best chance to get to No. 15. But he hasn’t won here since 2005, and his putting and short game isn’t what it once was. Top 20, but not really in the frame, for me.
Alex: He’ll threaten on Saturday only to fade on Sunday to finish T6.
Joe: I’d love him to be challenging but I’d say around the 25 mark.
Dan: My heart says he wins, my head says that a courageous but ultimately futile top-15 is much more likely.
Harvey: Even for a man who hasn’t played in three of the last five Masters, a top 15 is realistic.
Hannah: After his win over McIlroy at the Match Play we can’t rule him out, though I don’t think he’ll get over the line. Top 20.
Do you agree with our predictions? Let us know in the comments below, or you can get involved in the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Who will win the Masters?
‘To quote Westwood: I’m dangerous because I don’t care’
