April 9th see’s the start of Golf’s first major of the year; ‘The Masters.’ Over four days and 72 holes, the smallest field in major championship golf competes for a chance to capture the Green Jacket and a place in Masters history. The Masters is like no other major. Set at Augusta National, in Georgia, amidst blooming azaleas, towering pines and flowering dogwoods, the first full week of April ushers in a stage unique to golf and to sport.

Past Champions such as Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott and last year’s winner Danny Willet all return to seek victory. As yet there’s no confirmation that Tiger (Woods) will enter after his latest injury set back but with Rory Mcilroy, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson & Speith all set to compete the field is arguably as strong as it’s ever been.

So who are the 2017 Masters Contenders?

Bubba Watson – Synonymous with the Masters in 2012 for the emotional outpour at winning his first Green Jacket. Perhaps, better remembered for the ‘Handshake’ that never was when he won again in 2014. Bubba has a Long Game that many of us dream about. His ability to work the ball around corners, through trees and into tough pins as well as his previous wins at Augusta makes him a worthy contender.

Bubba struggles to hold back his emotions in 2012 after Masters Victory

Dustin Johnson – Number 1 in the world right now and has a game that currently is showing no faults. DJ as he is known, is one of the leading players for distance from the tee. He has putting stroke that right now seems faultless, it’s likely he goes into the Masters as hot favourite. He’s also the reigning US Open Champion from 2016.

Jason Day – The Australian described as one of the slowest golfers on Tour, but definitely one of the most consistent ball strikers. A former world number one as recently as 2015, Day has the game to win at Augusta. His ability with the long irons to take on Flagsticks and his consistency with the putter, has him right up there in the contender stakes.

Will Rory tame Amen Corner in 2017?

Rory Mcilroy -Rory hasn’t had it all his own way previously at Augusta. His most harrowing moment came in 2011, when a fourth round score of 80 (+8) saw him go from Leading by 4 shots to finishing 10 shots behind eventual winner Charles Schwartzel. Rory was 21 back then and without doubt his game and mental approach has improved since then. Consistently one of the longest ‘Drivers’ on tour he has the game to tame Augusta.

These are just 4 of the competitors and whoever wins the Masters this year will have to work hard with a field composing of the World’s Top 50 Golfers. This years Masters fields also boasts current Olympic Champion; Justin Rose and 2016 Open Champion; Henrik Stenson. We’ve also got Adam Scott & Phil Mickelson both worthy contenders in their own right.

Augusta National. Amen Corner

Competition Time

As usual we will be running our Guess the Winner and the Winning Score competiton. For your chance to win a free lesson from one of our residential PGA Professionals. Simply email your choice and score to info@duncanlambertgolf.com. Terms and Conditions Apply. Entry will close before the first tee time on April 6th. Good Luck!