The Masters 2016: 6 potential winners
By Andy Erk
These six are the best possible potential winners of the 2016 Masters Tournament.
The first round of the 2016 Masters is here. With the onset of a new Masters tournament, a slew of favorites are on everyone’s mind heading into Thursday, and some are looking to get fitted for their first green jacket.
Here is a look at my top six heading into the tournament.
The Dark Horse
I’d like to start this list with a guy who many may not be considering for their Masters champion, but could easily find his way into the green jacket with another great performance-Rafael Cabrera-Bello. Cabrera-Bello is a name that many in the United States do not know a lot about. Cabrera-Bello is not a full-time PGA Tour member, but a staple on the European Tour. However, he has serious game. Currently, Cabrera-Bello, according to the European Tour, sits third in Stroke Average at 69.5. Ahead of him? Just some guys named Henrik Stenson, Charl Schwartzel and Rory McIlroy. Cabrera-Bello comes in hitting 75% of greens, a mark that is top five on the European Tour.
Why does this matter? If you don’t hit greens chipping is challenging at Augusta.
Cabrera-Bello is not the longest hitter but is sufficient enough to compete at Augusta. His putting numbers are also not the greatest, but the hot streak he has been on lately makes him a real threat heading into Thursday. An 11th place finish at the WGC Cadillac Championship, a third place finish at the WGC Dell Matchplay, and a fourth place finish at the Shell Houston Open a week ago puts Cabrera-Bello in top form heading into the Masters.
If his putter can get hot, the Spaniard could find himself in contention coming down the stretch on Sunday.
Now let’s get into the list, starting with Dustin Johnson.
Next: 6. Dustin Johnson