Masters: Top five groups to watch on Thursday at Augusta National
Number 3:
Group 28, 1:49 p.m.: Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose, Justin Thomas
When a group includes a legend like “Lefty” Phil Mickelson and a pair of superstar Justins like Rose and Thomas, it was hard to not put this group at the top of the list. This is also arguably another group that every golfer included would be a good bet to win the tournament. Heck, one of them already has.
Justin Thomas has yet to have real success in the Masters in his young career, and Rose has yet to claim his first green jacket, but they have both won big tournaments in recent memory. Justin Rose is also the number one ranked golfer in the world and he could further cement that title by taking home his first Masters championship. He has finished tied for second at the Masters multiple times during his career, so he could repeat that success considering he is playing the best golf of his career.
This group is also obviously must watch because of Mickelson. There probably is no other venue on tour that Phil has had more success or career defining moments than at Augusta National Golf Club. Every Mickelson fan still gets chills when they bring back the memory of him sinking that final putt on 18 in 2004 for his first major and green jacket, and his second shot on the par 5 13th in his 2010 victory from the pine needles in the trees to about five feet is stuff of legend and will never be forgotten.
One of the biggest headlines leading into this week, is whether Phil can become the oldest Masters Champion of all-time. Among so many other Masters records, Jack Nicklaus still holds that distinction with his victory in 1986 at age 46. At 48, Phil is still driving the ball off the tee as far as he ever has in his career, and that fact alone is why he still could easily win a Masters if he putts well.
Golf analysts and fans of Phil’s biggest career rival, Tiger Woods, think Woods has a good chance to take home his fifth green jacket. Yet Phil did just beat Tiger in a one on one match play and has already won on tour this season at Pebble Beach. It might be more likely that Phil wins his fourth Masters, than Tiger winning his fifth.