1 – Harry English: The big-hitting American has the skills to tame Augusta: firepower and finesse. He notched his first PGA Tour victory last season and English, 24, has had a strong start to 2014, with a victory and a top-five finish. Here is the rub: he was born and raised in Georgia.
2 – Jordan Spieth: He signalled his arrival last season when, at age 19, he became the youngest PGA Tour winner in 82 years and added three runner-up results and six more top-10 finishes. As America’s great hope, the youngster, who is ranked No 13 in the world, believes he has the game to don the green jacket.
3 – Victor Dubuisson: Not well known until he outlasted Tiger Woods et al to triumph at November’s Turkish Open, the Frenchman has been winning fans since. He has been likened to Seve Ballesteros and Harry Houdini for getting into – and out of – trouble; either comparison would serve him well at Augusta.
4 – Patrick Reed: Won the WGC-Cadillac Championship last month and ruffled feathers by proclaiming himself to be among the best five players on the planet. At 23, the American has three PGA Tour wins. This is his first major, but he knows Augusta well; he played college golf at the city’s university.
5 – Jimmy Walker: At 35, the American is one of the oldest debutants, but his form supports his inclusion here. His first PGA Tour win was in October he has added two since and enjoys a big lead in the FedEx Cup standings. Given his experience, he should not be overawed by Augusta.
