The 2020 Virtual Masters: The Potential Longshots Who could Surprise
By Bill Felber
Virtual Masters projection 32-38
Miguel Angel Cabrera, 2009 (2006-2015), -0.33. The first South American Masters champion, Cabrera beat Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry in a playoff. In 2013 he nearly won a second Green Jacket, losing in a playoff to Adam Scott.
Claude Harmon, 1948 (1946-1955), -0.29. Better known both as a teaching pro and also as the father of several other teaching pros, Harmon dominated the 1948 field, winning by five strokes. It was, however, the only top 10 finish during his peak period.
Tommy Aaron, 1973 (1965-1974), -0.24. It’s hard to know what Aaron is more famous for, winning the Masters or incorrectly marking Roberto DeVicenzo’s scorecard in 1968, leading to DeVicenzo’s disqualification. Aaron’s victory, by one stroke over J.C. Snead, has a fluky appearance given that he missed the cut in both the year prior and the year following that 1973 title.
Charles Coody, 1971 (1968-1977), -0.23. Coody’s 1971 title by two strokes over Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller – came during a narrow window when he was among the game’s best. Coody contended only one other time at Augusta, finishing fifth in 1976.
Craig Stadler, 1982 (1979-1988), -0.20. Stadler had a mixed Masters record. His 1982 Green Jacket – won in a playoff with Dan Pohl – was one of five top 10 finishes during his 10-year peak. But he also missed a cut and three times finished outside the top 25.
Mark O’Meara, 1998 (1989-1998), -0.13. 1998 was a big year for O’Meara, who that summer added the British Open championship. They were his only two major wins. Between 1989 and 1998, he only landed one other top five Masters finish, that being a tie for fourth in 1992.
Ian Woosnam, 1991 (1989-1998), -0.09. Woosnam’s 1991 victory came in his only contending bid. His peak period record is otherwise ordinary, consisting of nothing better than a tie for 14th.