Masters 2016: Five groups to watch, including Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter and Jordan Spieth
The tee-times and groupings for the first two days of action at Augusta have been confirmed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rory McIlroy has been drawn in the final group for Thursday's opening round of the Masters as he seeks the victory he needs to complete the career grand slam.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at five notable groups hoping to make a good start to the first major championship of the season.
0915 (local time) - Tom Watson, Charley Hoffman, Lee Westwood
Westwood has a consistent record around Augusta and Hoffman was joint second after an opening 67 last year, but most eyes will be on two-time winner Tom Watson, who is making his final Masters appearance.
0948 - Jordan Spieth, Paul Casey, Bryson DeChambeau
Defending champion Spieth is seeking to join Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo as the only players to win back-to-back titles, while "golfing scientist" and US Amateur champion DeChambeau - who uses irons all cut to the same length - will turn professional next week.
1244 - Bubba Watson, Branden Grace, Ian Poulter
Watson won the green jacket in 2014 and 2012 but has been hampered by sinus problems in the build-up. The Masters is the only major of 2016 for which Poulter is currently exempt, but he was sixth 12 months ago and third in Puerto Rico in his last PGA Tour event.
1306 - Jason Day, Matt Kuchar, Ernie Els
Day comes into the week ranked number one in the world after victories in his last two starts and having claimed a maiden major in the 2015 US PGA Championship. Els has overcome the dreaded yips this year to revive his career.
1401 - Martin Kaymer, Bill Haas, Rory McIlroy
Two-time major winner Kaymer has missed the cut in five of his eight Masters appearances and was thrashed 8&6 by Zach Johnson in the WGC-Dell Match Play. McIlroy is looking to win a first green jacket to become the sixth player to complete a career grand slam, but is the only member of the world's top five not to have won in 2016.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments