The Masters 2016: 6 potential winners

4. Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth has not had his best season thus far, but how could he not be considered a favorite? The world No. 2 has intangibles that make him a favorite at nearly every Major. I mean, only a year ago he won the Masters and U.S. Open. Last year it seemed like Spieth was going to win every Major with that killer instinct only few possess. So, throw everything you’ve seen from Spieth this season out the window; the Majors are where Spieth shines. Interestingly, people like to focus a lot on the poor showing that Spieth has had thus far, including myself, but Spieth has already won the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, had seven top-25s and three top-10s. For most golfers this would already be considered a good season. Oh, the trouble of being the world No. 2.

Spieth’s stats show that he is still performing at a high level as well. Speith comes in at 17th in strokes gained putting and tenth in scoring average. Spieth has been unimpressive in the scoring range of 100-yards and in, as Spieth ranks 158th on Tour. Further hurting Spieth is his inability to overpower Augusta. A lot of players will be able to smash the ball around the course, giving themselves good looks in the scoring distance, especially on the par fives. Spieth must methodically manage the course and let his putting do the talking. As with Oosthuizen, Spieth has those intangibles that puts him in the zone at the Majors, regardless of prior results. Some other guy named Tiger Woods had a similar tenacity (no, I’m not saying Spieth is on the same level as Tiger Woods). That is what makes him great.

Unfortunately for Spieth, he won the Masters a year ago. Repeating at Augusta is nearly impossible. However, if Spieth is hot; look out.

Next: 3. Rory McIlroy