3 minute read
How Australia's six hopefuls shape up for the 86th US Masters at Augusta National.
Penpix for the six Australians at the 86th US Masters at Augusta National:
CAMERON SMITH
Age: 28
World ranking: 6
Best result in a major: 2nd (2020 Masters)
Masters played: 5 (5 cuts made)
A two-time PGA Tour winner already this year and bidding to join Tiger Woods as only the second man to complete the Players Championship-Masters double in the same season. Throw in three top 10s from his past four Masters starts and it's no surprise he's among the favourites on a course where a silky short game like Smith's is gold. Huge chance.
Odds: 14-1
ADAM SCOTT
Age: 41
World ranking: 36
Best result in a major: champion (2013 Masters)
Masters played: 20 (18 cuts made)
Australia's only ever Masters champion returns to Augusta National optimistic about claiming a second green jacket after building nicely for the season's first major. Says he's rarely hit the ball better from tee to green - a frightening prospect for the rivals of one of the game's sweetest swingers - and boasts five top 10s and 10 top 25s already. Don't count out.
Odds: 50-1
MARC LEISHMAN
Age: 38
World ranking: 43
Best result in a major: tied 2nd (2015 British Open)
Best Masters finish: tied 4th (2013)
Masters played: 9 (6 cuts made)
Somewhat flying under the radar for a player boasting three top 10s at Augusta National, including a tied fifth last year. Has all the shots, the putting prowess and knowledge to contend again on a course notoriously famous for favouring players familiar with the many nuances. More than capable.
Odds: 66-1
LUCAS HERBERT
Age: 27
World ranking: 44
Best result in a major: tied 31st (2020 US Open)
Best Masters finish: on debut
The first Aussie to win US PGA and European Tour events in the same calendar as Scott rightfully has equally lofty ambitions as the country's only player in possession of a green jacket. Hopes to contend at his maiden Masters just like Scott did with a top 10 on debut. Knowledge and experience, though, trumps confidence around Augusta National. Top 30 more realistic.
Odds: 150-1
MIN WOO LEE
Age: 23
World ranking: 59
Best result in a major: missed cut (2021 British Open)
Best Masters finish: on debut
The other half of world golf's most talented brother-sister act secured his Masters debut with a top-50 year-end ranking following a steely come-from-behind win at last year's Scottish Open, his second European Tour title. No doubting his potential but no player has won his maiden Masters since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. Surviving the cut would be a successful week.
Odds: 250-1
CAM DAVIS
Age: 27
World ranking: 96
Best result in a major: tied 39th (2018 British Open)
Best Masters finish: on debut
Hasn't looked back since running down former world No.1 Jason Day to win the 2017 Australian Open. Arrived at Augusta for his first Masters on the back of two missed cuts but enjoyed a strong start to the year in successive PGA Tour events in Hawaii and must surely have drawn inspiration from playing practise holes with five-times champion Tiger Woods on Sunday.
Odds: 200-1
