The Masters - Countdown: The likely lads

Eurosport - Tue, 07 Apr 12:00:00 2009

Eurosport-Yahoo!'s Will Tidey examines the credentials of the top five players in the world as they descend upon Augusta for the Masters.

GOLF Phil Mickelson in the final round of the Northern Trust Open golf tournament at Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb 22 - 0

TIGER WOODS

World ranking: 1

Majors won: 14 (Masters-1997, 1999, 2001, 2005, US Open-2000, 2002, 2008, The Open-2000, 2005, 2006, US PGA Championship-1999, 2000, 2006, 2007)

Before his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational there was enough justification to suspect Woods would fall short at Augusta. But the moment he sank the winning putt at Bay Hill, all doubts concerning the great man's fitness were cast aside. The bookies' favourite, and rightly so.

PHIL MICKELSON

World ranking: 2

Majors won: 3 (Masters-2004, 2006, US PGA Championship-2005)

Mickelson has gone 11 Majors without a win, but will arrive at Augusta in fine form and with confidence soaring. The American has won twice on the US Tour this season and if his short game clicks will surely be there or thereabouts come Sunday afternoon. But can he avoid a mental meltdown?

SERGIO GARCIA

World ranking: 3

Majors won: None

Garcia came close yet again at the US PGA Championship last August, but a Major victory continues to elude the Spaniard. El Nino's shot-making ability has never been in question, but if he wants to mount a serious challenge at the Masters he must find form with the putter and maintain his composure.

GEOFF OGILVY

World ranking: 4

Majors won: 1 (US Open-2006)

The Australian has been the best player on the US Tour this season, winning twice to lead the FedExCup standings. Ogilvy made his Masters debut in 2006 and has performed respectably in his three appearances at Augusta, but this could be the season he gets competitive.

PADRAIG HARRINGTON

World ranking: 5

Majors won: 3 (The Open-2007, 2008, US PGA Championship-2008)

The Irishman will be looking for a third successive Major victory at Augusta, but this time he'll have to do it with Woods back in the field. That said, if Harrington's putter catches fire and he's in contention going into the final afternoon, there is nobody better qualified to take on Tiger in a head-to-head battle down the stretch. Remember that hybrid on 17 at Royal Birkdale?

You can follow LIVE text commentary and scoring from the Masters right here from Thursday at 3pm

Will Tidey / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 11 of 11

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  1. Lee Westwood, in with a good shout i think,

    From Gary S, on Thu 9 Apr 1:00AM

  2. TOP TEN FINISHES - Fred Couples and Justin Rose

    From VAUGHAN, on Thu 9 Apr 12:46AM

  3. Too early for Woods , majors are a different kettle of­ fish. Goosen and O'gilvey with Kim and Garcia as­ possibles

    From ll10, on Wed 8 Apr 11:47AM

  4. Mcilroy to win??????? to much drink for you i­ think!!!!!!!!

    From Gary S, on Wed 8 Apr 10:19AM

  5. Woods will finish 1st or 2nd and Ogilvy has the best­ chance of the rest of them. That being said, I can­ think of no better fight than to see Harrington battle­ Woods at the finishing round.

    From Bishop, on Tue 7 Apr 4:28PM

  6. romero at 100-1 is a great bet - mcilroy has no chance

    From K, on Tue 7 Apr 3:39PM

  7. hi i am from belfast want to hear from dujiajiyi26,

    From aaronturkington2, on Tue 7 Apr 11:01AM

  8. Mcllory will dominate

    From orange2tuf, on Tue 7 Apr 9:14AM

  9. Mc ilroy for his 1st major

    From K, on Tue 7 Apr 8:07AM

  10. Look out for Henrick Stenson and "outsider"­ Kim.

    Raul F

    From Raul, on Tue 7 Apr 6:09AM

  11. Cannot see past Woods, I have had money on Mcilroy to­ finish top ten since last year. If the win blows it­ will bring a lot more people into the mix

    From markear1, on Mon 6 Apr 8:47PM
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