THEY SAY IT takes years of experience and bundles of talent before you can, reasonably, harbour any hopes of winning the Masters. But occasionally, upsets do happen.
Sine the tournament’s inception in 1934, there have been three debutant winners: Horton Smith, in 1934, Gene Sarazan in 1935 and Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979).
In recent years there have been unexpected triumphs for Zach Johnson, Trevor Immelman and Charl Schwartzel. So is there any long shots on your docket this weekend?
UNITED STATES
Russell Henley (USA: age 23, world ranking 51, Masters debutant)
Turns 24 on Friday of Masters second round. Born just down the road in Macon. Was 2010′s US college player of the year at Georgia. Earned Masters spot by being first US PGA rookie in 12 years to win his debut, at Sony Open in January. His 24-under par 256 was second-lowest 72-hole total in PGA history.
John Huh (USA: age 22, world ranking 105, Masters debutant)
Was last year’s US PGA Rookie of the Year, the first player of Korean heritage to claim the award. In only his fiffth PGA start, he won last year’s Mayakoba Classic by beating Australian Robert Allenby in an 8-hole sudden-death playoff. Was 28th on last year’s money list to earn Masters invite.
John Peterson (USA: age 23, world ranking 343, Masters debutant)
The 23-year-old Texan was a US college champion in 2011 and has been mentored by a fellow Louisiana State University graduate, major winner David Toms. Finished in a share for fourth at last year’s US Open to earn a second major start this year at the Masters.
EUROPE
Thorbjorn Olesen (Denmark: age 23, world ranking 40, Masters debutant)
Small in stature and big in talent, the 23-year-old Dane has something of the Rory McIlroy in him with that confident swagger and he has moved steadily up the world rankings. Making his Masters debut, but Augusta National should suit his game. You can get him at 150/1.
Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium: age 30, world ranking 42, Masters debutant)
The longest-driving player on the European tour, Colsaerts has come on in leaps and bounds over the last 18 months and he showed at last year’s Ryder Cup that he enjoys the big-time tournaments. If he can putt the way he did at Medinah and keep bombing them off the tee he could be a factor. 90/1.
John Raoux/AP/Press Association Images
Peter Hanson (Sweden: age 35, world ranking 22, 3rd Masters)
The big Swede showed he can play Augusta National by leading going into the final round of last year’s tournament. He eventually finished two shots out of the two-man playoff. Tee-to green he is a match for anyone, and if his putting is on he will be a threat again.
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (Spain: age 32, world ranking 30, 2nd Masters)
Steady Spaniard, who has worked his way dilligently up the world rankings and who won the Italian Open last year for his sixth European Tour win. Rarely misses a cut and will benefit from his debut experiences last year at Augusta when he finished 61st. Tied for third at recent Arnold Palmer Invitational
SOUTH AFRICA
Branden Grace (South Africa; age 24, world ranking 32, Masters debutant)
The latest in a long line of talented South Africans to follow in the footsteps of Gary Player and Ernie Els. Won four times on the European Tour last year to signal his arrival and has been steady, if winless, this year. Can count on advice from countrymen and recent Green Jacket winners Trevor Immelman and Charl Schwartzel.
