Masters 2015: Top Young Golfers to Watch at Augusta
As we look at the top young guns to keep an eye on at the Masters this year, remember this: Tiger Woods was 21 when he won his first Masters in 1997 in dominant fashion.
The fact both suggests how spectacular Woods' feat was (as most of these golfers are over 21) and serves as a reminder that Augusta National can be conquered by a youngster.
And what's young? For our purposes: 25 (although a couple of golfers are just a bit older).
Also, with all due respect to Matias Dominguez, Gunn Yang, Byron Meth, Bradley Neil and Corey Conners, only young professionals will be covered here.
Read on for the rundown of whippersnappers to keep an eye on at Augusta.
Jordan Spieth
1 of 8
Age: 21
Masters odds: 10-1
Masters finishes: 2014: T2
Why to watch
Two reasons: Jordan Spieth is hot right now, having won and finished second his last two times out. Second, the 21-year-old Texan was brilliant in his debut at Augusta last year, which is unheard of. The strong play plus recent good form position Spieth along with defending champion Bubba Watson as the Americans most likely to win.
Victor Dubuisson
2 of 8
Age: 24
Masters odds: 80-1
Masters finishes: 2014: Missed cut
Why to watch
Currently 18th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Victor Dubuisson has not been playing well this year. He's only made one cut on the PGA Tour in three starts and hasn't fared a great deal better on the European Tour. Based on this and his missed cut at Augusta last year, Dubuisson should be expected to miss the cut again this year. It's worth watching to see if he does.
Brooks Koepka
3 of 8
Age: 24
Masters odds: 66-1
Masters finishes: This is Koepka's first Masters
Why to watch
Brooks Koepka was forced to withdraw during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational (March 22) due to a rib injury. He was reportedly unable to breathe without significant pain but stated on Golf Channel he was going to do his best to be ready for his first Masters, per Rotoworld. You have to watch to see if the Phoenix Open winner is able to give it a go in Georgia and how he fares if he does.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Rory McIlroy
4 of 8
Age: 25
Masters odds: 11-2
Masters finishes: 2009: T20; 2010: Missed cut; 2011: T15; 2012: T40; 2013: T25; 2014: T8
Why to watch
Rory McIlroy, who has won the last two major championships, will get the most attention of any golfer of any age at Augusta National. And rightfully so: The 25-year-old is still seeking to atone for his 2011 Masters meltdown and will be chasing not only a green jacket, but the career Grand Slam as well.
Patrick Reed
5 of 8
Age: 24
Masters odds: 25-1
Masters finishes: 2014: Missed cut
Why to watch
You've got to watch Patrick Reed at Augusta to see how he handles the course this year. Last year, the course beat the brash Texas native up, and he didn't sniff the cut line. He's won once on tour already this season and finished second his last time out (Valspar Championship), so he's playing well. How will he fare beneath the Georgia pines his second time around?
Rickie Fowler
6 of 8
Age: 26
Masters odds: 25-1
Masters finishes: 2011: T38; 2012: T27; 2013: T38; 2014: T5
Why to watch
Watch Rickie Fowler to see if he picks up where he left off in the majors. Last year, the 26-year-old finished tied for fifth at Augusta, tied for second at both the U.S. and British Opens and tied for third at the PGA Championship. Can he continue his streak of top-five finishes at golf's most significant events?
Hideki Matsuyama
7 of 8
Age: 23
Masters odds: 66-1
Masters finishes: 2011 (Amateur): T27; 2012: T54; 2014: Missed cut
Why to watch
Hideki Matsuyama has the odd distinction of having played better at Augusta National as an amateur than as a professional. He's worth keeping an eye on to see if he truly has an aptitude for the course or if his tie-for-27th finish as an amateur in 2011 was a fluke.
Jason Day
8 of 8
Age: 27
Masters odds: 12-1
Masters finishes: 2011: 2; 2012: WD; 2013: 3; 2014: T20
Why to watch
Jason Day came to Augusta National last season dealing with a thumb injury. He'll have no such impairments this season, and as he's been on form lately, he's worth watching to see if he can reprise his early Masters success. He's an under-the-radar candidate for a green jacket here.
Stats courtesy of PGATour.com. All odds courtesy of Odds Shark.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
