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Here are My Very Early 2019 Masters Favorites

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Following Bryson DeChambeau’s fifth PGA TOUR triumph at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, last weekend the odds on him winning the 2019 Masters have been cut.

The now World Number 5 is sure to be a contender, but which players have the best chance of winning the 2019 edition of The Masters?

The Top Contenders

1. Justin Rose

It is six months until the first tee time off time at 2019’s edition of The Masters, and no doubt a golfer’s form can abruptly change in that time frame, but few would predict Justin Rose losing his place at the peak of world golf. Rose won his 23rd professional title last weekend, triumphing at the Turkish Airlines Open and he regained the World Number 1 position in the process.

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The 38-year-old 2018 FedExCup champion has finished runner-up in two editions of The Masters (2015 and 2017) and has established himself as one of Golf’s most consistent men, a claim best proved by his eleven  top 10 finishes on the PGA TOUR’s 2018 season and his average finishing position on 2018’s European Tour season standing at 12.9.

Rose will surely be a ready and able favorite to win a maiden Green jacket in April.

2. Justin Thomas

Justin Thomas is a USPGA and FedExCup Champion, a 9-time victor on the PGA TOUR, a former world number 1, and a favorite to win the 2019 Masters title.

Thomas picked up ten top 10 finishes and won three times in the 2018 season, and he shone for the USA in the Ryder Cup collecting 4 points from 5 matches in his maiden Ryder Cup disappointment.

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The strength of Thomas’ game lies in his long game, as demonstrated by his year ending rank of 2nd in the strokes gained tee to green statistical category, a characteristic that suggests he should suit the demanding layout at Augusta very well. Though Thomas’ best finish at Augusta to date is T-17th, his solid long game and impressive resume show why he should be touted for the 2019 Masters crown.

3. Jordan Speith

Jordan Spieth was the 2015 Masters winner and is a three-time major champion. Spieth has proven that he can perform miracles on the Golf course resurrecting rounds that were seemingly dead and those skills have propelled him to 14 professional victories.

Though Spieth struggled on the green’s in 2018, finishing the year ranked 136th in the strokes gained-putting statistical category, logic implies that the 23-year-old former world number 1 will reignite his short game in the next few months, as does his form from last week’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open which saw him place 30th on the strokes gained-putting ranking.

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Memories of Augusta and his success there will no doubt add spirit to the Texan, I fully expect Spieth to win at least once before his 2019 trip to Augusta and for his putting prowess to fully return, thus he is no doubt an early favorite to win the 2019 Masters.

The Outside Picks

Meanwhile, the chances of players such as two time Masters champion Bubba Watson, three-time major champion – Brooks Koepka, former US Open champion Dustin Johnson, and former Masters champion; Sergio Garcia winning the green jacket in 2019 should not be underestimated.

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Moreover, if you are looking for a surprise Masters victor perhaps look to Danny Willett, who looks resurgent under the tutelage of Sean Foley and could be in winning shape by the beginning of Major Season.


Cover Image via Instagram

Samuel James is a freelance writer who pens pieces about History, Faith, Soccer and Golf. He loves soccer but is obsessed with everything concerning golf. He thinks that golf is the most enjoyable and frustrating sport in the world, and watching players on tour (especially the European Tour) isn’t bad either. He is passionate about sharing his love of the game with others.

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Brian Schoen
Brian Schoen
5 years ago

Could be a stretch for Jordan this season. I hope you’re right because I’m a big Jordan fan. But he’s still struggling with his game and he’s about to get married as well. A lot going on for him.

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