The Masters - Power Rankings
It's here! The much anticipated #MastersWeek is officially upon us. The tournament that every player dreams about, and ever golf fanatic raves about. As always, the best of the best are in this years field, all chasing the same goal, to be the one donning the green jacket come Sunday. We all know this weeks routine, so without further a due, here's a look at our top picks for the week...
Dustin Johnson - The world's number 1 golfer is in his prime, playing some of the best golf of his career. He's 6/7 in cuts made this year including six top ten finishes and two victories. He rested last week, giving him ample time to prepare at Augusta.
Rory McIlroy - Only three starts this season, McIlroy is picking and choosing his events wisely; a slow and steady schedule which seems to be working for him. His three starts have as many top ten finishes, showing he's on top of his game and ready for action this week.
Jon Rahm - The raising star undoubtedly has a great career ahead of him, and a solid performance at this weeks Masters shouldn't surprise anyone. This will mark his first Masters appearance, which can often be an overwhelming experience; very rare for first-timers to walk away with a victory, but I wouldn't put it past Rahm.
Rickie Fowler - Yet another player who's been on fire lately. Fowler is 7/8 in cuts made this season including four top tens and one victory. He proved last week at the Shell Houston Open that he's on his game, and will be looking to keep that momentum into this weeks event. Although he doesn't have a great track record at Augusta, the past experience should serve him well.
Jordan Spieth - Although he's struggled in his last two starts, you can never underestimate Jordan Spieth. 7/8 in cuts made this year including five top ten finishes. He's got a lot of emotions surrounding this event, which he'll be looking to overcome this week.
Justin Rose - Playing consistently well this season, flying a little under the radar as he's yet to claim a victory. Expect Rose to be on cue this week; he's got a perfect record at Augusta, making the cut in all 11 appearances.
Phil Mickelson - As one of the most experienced golfers in the field, this year marks Mickelson's 25th appearance, which includes three victories. His creativity and shot making abilities always make him a contender. Also interestingly enough, a victory this year would make him the oldest winner in Masters history.
Adam Scott - Another past champion will be looking for a repeat victory this week. Coming off a missed cut at the Shell Houston Open last week, which was his first missed cut of the season. Expect Scott to bounce back this week.
Hideki Matsuyama - Matsuyama has struggled a bit lately, but as one of the worlds best, he has the ability to raise to the occasion and throw down some low numbers. He's accumulated two victories early this year, and will be looking to make history this week as the first Japanese golfer to win the Masters.
Jason Day - Day has faced some unfortunate challenges in his personal life, which will undoubtedly be weighing on him this week. Hopefully he's able to harness his emotions, and raise to the occasion this week as it would be great to see. He's 4/5 in cuts made this year, but has only found the top 10 once.
Sleeper Picks
Tyrell Hatton - Perfect so far this season, with 5/5 cuts made, as well as finding the top 10 four of those times. This will mark his first appearance on the Masters big stage, and we'll see how he's able to negotiate this challenging course.
Adam Hadwin - Having the best year of his career, he's 7/7 in cuts made, including three top 10's and a victory at the Valspar Championship. A week off, should have him prepared and ready for action this week.
And now a look at our Draftkings picks...
As always, finding the best bang-for-your-buck combination is key to success, while also picking the champion. My two favorites this week are Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm with Rory McIlroy a close third. I've made my first lineup a little top heavy with both DJ and McIlroy, leaving me looking for a few diamond in the rough picks. My second lineup is a little more balanced. Here's a look at my teams...
Starting Lineup
Dustin Johnson - $11,300
Rory McIlroy - $10,600
Bill Haas - $7,200
Ryan Moore - $7,000
Adam Hadwin - $6,900
Francesco Molinari - $6,800
Alternate Lineup
Rickie Fowler - $9,300
Phil Mickelson - $8,700
Joh Rahm - $8,600
Adam Scott - $8,800
Tyrrell Hatton - $7,600
Adam Hadwin - $6,900