Pro Golf Now
Fansided

The Masters Power Rankings: Top ten picks to don the green jacket

By Mike Randleman

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 02: Way finding signs are pictured during a practice round prior to the start of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 2, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 02: Way finding signs are pictured during a practice round prior to the start of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 2, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 11
Next
Masters
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 02: Justin Thomas of the United States looks on from the fourth tee during a practice round prior to the start of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 2, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) /

This week is doubly important for Justin Thomas. Not only can he earn his first green jacket, but a trip to Butler Cabin would also signify his move to No. 1 in the world. Thomas came ever so close last week at the WGC-Match Play but could not reach the finals.

A lot of guys are playing well recently, but none like JT. He comes into the week with four consecutive top-10s, including a win at the Honda Classic. Thomas’ hole-out for eagle nearly won him the WGC-Mexico title and he was a match away from reaching the WGC-Match play finals.

His statistics are solid in 2017-18. Thomas is third in total strokes gained and fifth in SG approach-the-green. He’s been stiffing flags all year, but his putting ranks solidly at 23rd if he needs to rely on the putter.

The drawback on Thomas here at the Masters is inexperience. This will be just his third stroll down Magnolia Lane. Thomas annually spends the week with Masters legend, member Jeff Knox, who plays as a spotter if a single tournament player opens Saturday’s or Sunday’s round. There’s plenty of local knowledge to be had there.

Thomas should have a good formula in place to attack Augusta by now and he improved from a T39 in 2016 to a T22 last year.

It’s truly anyone’s game this week, but Justin Thomas is a man on fire. He’ll rise to No. 1 in spectacular fashion with Justin Rose falling just short yet again.

Home/Golf Power Rankings