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Masters: 3 BOLD Predictions for Augusta National

By Matt Cochran

Patrons make their way past the main leader board during a practice round prior the start of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Augusta National's trademark back-nine drama in the final round of the Masters could reach epic heights Sunday with a field that offers no clear favorite and several rising young stars. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
Patrons make their way past the main leader board during a practice round prior the start of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Augusta National's trademark back-nine drama in the final round of the Masters could reach epic heights Sunday with a field that offers no clear favorite and several rising young stars. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Stray away from the normal Masters talk this year and check out these three BOLD predictions for Augusta National.

I kind of feel sorry for the Shell Houston Open. As great of a tournament as it is, all I can think about the whole time I’m watching is that the Masters is next week.

While I sit here acting like I care about the event going on at the Golf Club of Houston, my mind begins to wonder to Augusta Nationals. The thought of the azaleas and Magnolia Lane is already getting me fully torqued.

Many of the experts are starting to make their picks, which is great, but it can get a little boring hearing the same rhetoric over and over. We know Jordan Spieth is the defending champion and that Rory McIlroy is looking to complete the career Grand Slam.

However, golf is one of the most unpredictable sports out there. Hell, we saw Angel Cabrera win a Green Jacket not too long ago. So what are some other odd occurrences that could happen this year at Augusta National?

I’ve let my mind run wild and come up with some unlikely scenarios for the 2016 Masters. Enjoy!

Masters
Apr 12, 2015; Augusta, GA, USA; Phil Mickelson reacts after completing the final round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports /

Phil Mickelson Will Lead After the First Round

Lefty hasn’t won a Green Jackets since 2006 and he probably won’t win one this year, but he will be the first round leader once Thursday comes to an end.

Phil Mickelson’s first round scoring average in the 23 times he’s played at Augusta National his first round scoring average is only 71.13. That’s not terrible, but it’s not necessarily mind blowing either.

However, Mickelson has seen a resurgence this season. He’s starting to find his groove again and he currently ranks fourth on the PGA TOUR in first-round scoring average at 68.33.

If you combine his recent short game success and his experience at Augusta National and that is a winning recipe. Don’t be surprised to see Phil Mickelson at the top of the leaderboard after the first round of the Masters.

Masters
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 10: Patrons watch the play at the 16th hole during the second round of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

There Will Be a Hole-in-One on the 16th Hole

There are four par 3s at Augusta National. Throughout the history of the Masters, there has been a total of 24 aces made during the competition. Sure, there have been plenty of hole-in-ones made in the Par 3 Challenge, but not as many during the actual Masters.

Harris English made an ace during a practice round back in 2014, but the last time we saw one in competition was in 2013 by Jamie Donaldson at the 6th hole.

Prior to Donaldson’s ace, there was a stretch of eight in a row made at the 16th hole and a total of 15 made at 16. I’m feeling an ace this year at the Masters and that will come at the famous 16th hole.

Masters
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 12: Sergio Garcia of Spain reacts to a poor tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Sergio Garcia Will Choke Down the Stretch

Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes, and a Sergio Garcia collapse.

The Spaniard is very capable of putting himself in contention at tournaments and especially majors, but the same can’t be said for closing out those tournaments.

Sergio’s last victory came at the 2012 Wyndham Championship. In his career, he’s entered the final round of a tournament with the lead 13 times. He’s only closed out three of those events making him 3 for 13 when holding a 54-hole lead.

He’s made the cut at the Masters 12 times, but he’s only shot in the 60s once during his last two rounds. That was a 66 back in 2004. In 24 rounds, he was only able to record one round sub 70 round and only a total of six rounds under par.

Next: 2016 Masters Betting Guide

I expect Garcia to be in contention entering the weekend at this year’s Masters, but I don’t expect him to remain in contention by the end of the final round.

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