Masters 2016: Is it time for an Englishman to don the famous Green Jacket?
Probably not but the new guard give reason to hope
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Your support makes all the difference.It is 20 years since an Englishman won the Masters - the one and only Nick Faldo with his famous tracking, catching and sinking of the Great White Shark, Greg Norman, on the final day back in 1996. The Australian led the field by six on that Sunday morning, Faldo won by four shots by close of play following a solid, meticulous round of 67. While Norman crumbled, Faldo was calm and cool.
It will take a similar exhibition of nervelessness to win this year’s Augusta jamboree but can the 20-year wait be brought to an end? Is there an Englishman out there swinging beautifully among the pine trees able to challenge Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, the big three that most feel will be scrapping over the Green Jacket come Sunday?
Not so long ago Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter would rock up at Augusta harbouring realistic hopes of challenging for the title. All three have now fallen out of the world’s top 50. Donald, whose best finish was third back in 2005 has not even qualified, such has been the dip in form suffered by the former world No 1. There is a new crop now: Danny Willett, Chris Wood and Matt Fitzpatrick are the best of the young home hopes - but isn’t it expecting too much too soon for these three relative novices to conquer Augusta’s unique challenges? And that leaves Justin Rose, the only English major winner since Faldo with the 2013 US Open as the best bet to break the drought.
Lee Westwood (125-1)
It feels like the major ship has sailed for the former world No 1 who is now down at 67 in the global charts. For so long a contender at the big events - and a consistent finisher in the top 10s - the 42-year-old’s best chance might have come and gone at the 2010 Masters when he led at the halfway stage and finished second to a runaway Phil Mickelson. He has struggled to challenge of late missing three of his last four cuts.
Ian Poulter (125-1)
The world No 62 finished sixth last year at Augusta without really ever looking like donning the Green Jacket and his current standards suggest he doesn’t need to work out his chest measurement just yet. He hasn't won since 2012 and admits he has not been at the races of late. “My form has been unacceptable,” he said in a recent interview before adding: “My game is in shape – I feel really happy.” Ever the optimist but it’s hard to see him challenging over the weekend.
Chris Wood (250-1)
When the Bristolian made his Masters debut in 2010 he openly admits now that he was overawed. This time round the world No 46 has qualified by dint of his world ranking not on the back of a freakishly good performance at that year’s Open and feels much more relaxed about teeing off with the world’s elite. His hopes will also be improved by the fact that he has been reunited with his clubs which last week failed to board the same flight as him. But realistically, this is an ask too far, even though he won’t be using a hire set (as the person at the airline lost property desk suggested).
Danny Willett (60-1)
Perhaps the best of the home hopes, Willett has climbed to world No 12 following his victory at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in February when he nailed a 12ft birdie putt on the 18th to seal a brilliant victory. The 28-year-old from Sheffield may be wiping the sleep from his eyes - he became a father last week - but is in the sort of form to spring a surprise. He was tied 38th last year.
Justin Rose (22-1)
Rose loves The Masters. The world No 9 is Mr Consistent around Augusta having never missed the Friday night cut when he has qualified. The only major winner in the English pack, the 35-year-old has two top 10 finishes in the last four years but he lacks the bite of the game’s big dogs Day, Spieth and McIlroy.
Matt Fitzpatrick (250-1)
At just 21, Fitzpatrick is the baby of the pack but could have the brightest future and is already inside the world’s top 50 at No 43. Like Willett he is from Sheffield - must be something in the Yorkshire tea - and he won the 2013 US Amateur and followed it up with the British Masters last year having turned pro. He played the 2014 Masters as an amateur and missed the cut and he may not be one for the here and now but is definitely one to keep an eye on.
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