Column: A few to keep an eye on at Augusta

Everyone knows that all sports have long-standing traditions: the seventh-inning stretch in baseball, rushing the court/field after an upset in college sports and giving a Gatorade bath to the winning football coach after a big win.

Easily, the biggest sports tradition in the game of golf is putting on the green jacket.

Since 1949, this tradition has been used to honor the winner of the Masters Tournament who is given the famous blazer in front of the crowd at Augusta.

This Sunday that tradition will happen again, just like it has happened every year for the past 62 years. It is unlike any other golf tournament in the world. IU men’s golf coach Mike Mayer called the Masters “The Holy Grail of Professional Golf.”

The hallowed grounds of Augusta, Ga., will be filled with golf enthusiasts from all around the world, and young players will be in the running for the top spot.

The Augusta National course will challenge its golfers to play their best golf if they want a chance to wear the green jacket.

It will be difficult to predict who will win this year’s Masters, but one thing we do know is that the world’s best golfers will be looking to cement their names among the greats this weekend.

Players to follow

Dustin Johnson
The young star really shocked many people because of his long driving ability and precise iron shots.

In seven of 23 events last year he finished in the top 10.

Last year, Johnson didn’t always putt well in pressure situations during major tournaments.

But last year’s follies will turn into this year’s successes, as he is in the top 20 on the total money board.

Control of golf clubs has been key for Johnson, and he will need to have as few mistakes as possible.

Will Johnson have poise, or will he crack under the pressure in one of the biggest golf tournaments of the year?

Anthony Kim

Kim finished third in last year’s Masters due to a third round 73 but then came back and shot seven under par on the last day.

His style fits this golf course because he has good course management to shoot around the trees and other hazards.

Kim is a player looking for that major win to take his career to the next level.

His calm demeanor on the course will help him in the later rounds of the tourney like it did last year.

Although Kim hasn’t done so well thus far in the season, he will be in contention to take home the green jacket.
 
Luke Donald

This English golfer is used to playing in difficult weather conditions, which could be a problem this weekend. If the weather proves to be an issue in the early rounds, don’t expect Donald to be flustered.

The last five years he has finished in the top 50 in the final rankings.

Confidence will also help Donald is his quest for golf history.

Donald’s skills will be put to the test, but I believe he’ll do more than just crack the top 50.


­— amsiegal@indiana.edu