2017 Masters: Power Rankings for Augusta National
By Sam Belden
![Mar 24, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Dustin Johnson of the United States plays against Jimmy Walker of the United States during the third round of the World Golf Classic - Dell Match Play golf tournament at Austin Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports Mar 24, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Dustin Johnson of the United States plays against Jimmy Walker of the United States during the third round of the World Golf Classic - Dell Match Play golf tournament at Austin Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0b304205b57a80db568c5dfae4fa5a83ffa679281a37ede34f41e97850d4cae0.jpg)
Rickie Fowler — 8th
One of the game’s more consistent players over the last month, Fowler enters this week on a run of five consecutive top 20 finishes, including a trio of top fives. That stretch includes a victory at the Honda Classic in February and a tie for third at last week’s Shell Houston Open, where he made a late bid at the title thanks to an excellent back nine. The reason behind this success is no secret — it’s his ball striking. Fowler paced last week’s field in strokes gained: approach-the-green, and on the season, he ranks third on the PGA Tour in that category. Combine that with his solid track record at the Masters — five-for-six with two top 15s — and he looks like a bona fide contender.
There are hotter players in the field at Augusta, but don’t let that fact distract you from this contender. There’s a lot to like about Fowler this week, so don’t be surprised if he finally gets the major monkey off his back.