The 2020 virtual Masters: A dozen potential surprises

Billy Casper, 1970 (1961-1970), -0.75

Casper made his name at the U.S. Open, winning in 1959 and overtaking Arnold Palmer in 1966. His familiarity with Augusta National took longer to mature, but by 1969 it developed into a tie for second place behind George Archer.

That year Casper led or shared the lead through three rounds only to be overtaken by Archer on Sunday thanks to Casper’s front nine 40. He recovered with three back nine birdies but finished one stroke off the pace.

Returning in 1970 determined to put together a more consistent four rounds, Casper fashioned a one-stroke lead over Gene Littler entering Sunday’s play. Through 12 holes Littler led Casper by two strokes, but a Casper birdie at the par five 15th – coupled with Littler’s bogey on the same hole – led to a three-way tie that eventually also included Gary Player.

Player fell out with a bogey on the home hole, leaving Littler and Casper to play for the championship the following day. In the final 18-hole playoff in Masters history, Casper birdied two of the first three holes, led by four strokes after four, and never let Littler get closer than three the rest of the way. He cruised home in 69 to beat Littler by five strokes.

Virtual Masters projection: 22nd.

Stay tuned on Wednesday for the virtual Masters longshots. All of these players are great (remember, they’ve each won the tournament at least once), but when it comes to comparison to the rest of the field, they are going to have a tougher time.