Augusta Masters Golf 2022 Preview

The 86^th edition of this wonderful event will commence on Thursday, at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA.

All the talk before the players tee off on Thursday is that Tiger Woods may possibly be on the tee on Thursday. The five-time winner has indicated he would take place in practice during the week, with the possibility of starting.

For the sake of golf, this would make this year’s Masters possibly the finest ever. Seeing the legend Woods even hitting a ball again in a competitive tournament would be a sight that everybody in the world of sport wants to see happen.

Of the 91 men battling for the Green Jacket, the field also includes the current Olympic champion Xander Schauffele. The 28-year-old qualifies by virtue of winning the Gold medal at last summer’s Tokyo Olympics.

Schauffele boasts a fine Masters record after finishing tied for third 12 months ago and sharing second place in 2019. However, you have to go back to September 2020 for his last PGA triumph in the Tour Championship.

Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama will be back to defend his title after becoming Japan’s first men’s major winner and Asia’s first Masters champion.

After winning his season opener at the Sony Open in Hawaii, a back injury kept him out of playing at the Players Championship. He returned back to action at last weeks Texas Open, but he suffered a neck problem which saw him have to withdraw during the second round.

Scheffler arrives at Augusta in the form of his life and the title of the new world number one. The 25-year-old had never won on the PGA tour before this season, but victories at the Phoenix Open, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the WGC Match Play has seen him knock Jon Rahm off top spot.

In terms of British interest, Justin Rose will look to rediscover his form after two missed cuts this season. However, Rose has finished tied second back in 2015 and 2017.

This week will also see multiple winners Bubba Watson(2012- 2014). Jose Maria Olazabal(1994-1999) and Bernhard Langer(1985,1993) all take part. Could it be one of these to make it three times winners at Augusta?

Despite losing his world number one ranking, Spaniard Rahm is still among the favourites to add to his first major success at last year’s US Open. Having finished in the top 10 in the last four Masters, he is a player who cannot be ignored.

Cameron Smith comes into this week as one of the form players on the circuit. Winning last month’s Players Championship saw the Australian pick up his second event of the season after claiming the Tournament Of Champions in January.

Four-time major champion Rory Mcllroy needs the Masters to complete a grand slam of major titles. However, the Northern Ireland 32-year-old desperately needs to be more consistent with his all-round game to be knocking on the door for another Major.

American Jordan Spieth always saves his best golf for Augusta. The 28-year-old will be seeking his first Green Jacket since 2015. Spieth, has made the top three on five occasions in eight Masters appearances, including a tied third place finish twelve months ago.

The 2020 champion Dustin Johnson is another player who warrants considerable attention. A player who is very hard to beat if he gets ahead after the first two days.

Among other players who could well figure high up on the leaderboard come Sunday are 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka.

Norwegian Victor Hovland is more than useful European golfer after winning three PGA titles from six professional wins. He has steadily moved up to fourth in the current world rankings and has already tasted victory in the Dubai Desert Classic in January, along with three top 10 finishes this season.

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