5 Under-The-Radar Guys to Watch at This Year’s Masters
By Alec Lewis
Apr 14, 2013; Augusta, GA, USA; Lee Westwood waves to the crowd after making a putt on the 6th green during the final round of the 2013 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
5. Lee Westwood
Everyone knows Lee Westwood, and for years he has been arguably one of the best ball strikers on tour. Unfortunately, his career has been overshadowed by the fact he just cannot seem to do it in the majors, and once again, he’ll have a shot at one. Lee Westwood has won over 30 tournaments in his career (European Tour, PGA Tour, etc.) and has all the tools to win a major. Continuously though, Westwood has been unable to find his short stick at the right time — along with his below-average chipping — which has obviously held him back. Westwood’s best finish at Augusta is outright 2nd, so he has been in contention and knows what it takes. Although it might not be the most under-the-radar guy, it does seem like he’s been thrown under the shadow heading into his tee time tomorrow morning.
Apr 14, 2013; Augusta, GA, USA; Angel Cabrera reacts after hitting out of a bunker on the 8th hole during the final round of the 2013 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports
4. Angel Cabrera
Usually, you wouldn’t think the 198th player in the world would even be close to contending for a major. But this is The Masters, and this is Angel Cabrera, and if you’ve payed any attention to The Masters over the last few years, you’d realize that Cabrera and Augusta National is the match made in heaven. Cabrera won a green jacket in the 2009 and hasn’t looked back since. Last year, he fought until the end, forcing playoff holes with Adam Scott to ultimately come up short. I’m not saying he’ll win, but I am saying that if he’s not on your list, then throw away your list.
Apr 8, 2014; Augusta, GA, USA; Thorbjorn Olesen hits on to the 2nd green during Tuesday practice rounds at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports
3. Thorbjorn Olesen
What a name, right? Where is he from? How do I know him? Well the last question is easy, I do write for the Sports Illustrated partner, Fansided, and I am writing this article on The Masters, so obviously, I know a little bit. But seriously, Thorbjorn Olesen has swagger. He wears flat bills, is Nike sponsored, and is Danish (that’s Denmark for those not aware). Thorbjorn has a “Master” name, but he’ll need a “Master” game to win this week, which is something he’s shown. Olesen made a charge last year and finished tied for 6, but in the process he wowed many with his ability around the greens and his accuracy from the short grass, so make sure to watch this young buck this week.
Feb 23, 2014; Marana, AZ, USA; Victor Dubuisson plays from the desert area aside on the 20th hole (Dubuisson was in this same area when he played this hole, the ninth) during the final round of the World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
2. Victor Dubuisson
It’s the Frenchman’s first time here at Augusta, so it’ll be tough. Everything is unique, from the green speed, to spots on the greens, to even placement off the tee. So for Victor Dubuisson, he’ll have to show up with his short game; wait, did I just say Dubuisson show up with short game? That’s a given. Did you watch him from the cacti in the WGC Match Play Championship? If he can do it from cacti, he sure as heck can do it from pristine grass, so I have to the Dubuisson has a shot this week.
Feb 20, 2014; Marana, AZ, USA; Jimmy Walker with his tee shot on the 16th during the second round of the World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
1. Jimmy Walker
What’s to say about Jimmy Walker. People don’t know him, yet he’s won 3 tournaments this year. Already. Is it the name, or maybe his game, or maybe just the lack of fame? I couldn’t tell you why little to nobody is talking about this guy. He does everything well, and when I say everything, don’t take that as a joke. He’s solid in every facet of golf, and personally, I’ll be surprised if he’s not in the mix on Sunday.