The Masters 2020: 5 sleepers who could win the Green Jacket

The Masters sleeper No. 3: Zach Johnson (+12500)

Throughout his career as a two-time major champion, Zach Johnson has experienced a mixed bag of results at Augusta. He obviously won here in 2007 while finishing top 10 in 2015 and following up his victory with a top-20 finish in the 2008 tournament. However, he’s also missed the cut in six of his 15 times playing and finished a paltry T58 in 2019.

Johnson possesses two attributes that always make him a threat when it comes to The Masters, though. For one, he’s traditionally been one of the more consistent and reliable putters in the world, which serves him well on the slick greens. But he’s also a great approach player who’s able to put himself in great position with his second or third shots at Augusta.

According to GolfBet, of the last five winners of this tournament, three have finished first in Strokes Gained: Approach for the week. The other two victors finished second and third in the same category. That speaks to the importance of great approach play. And of the players in the field, Johnson has the third-best mark in that category over his last 24 rounds.

The Iowan is a fascinating contrasting figure to someone like betting favorite Bryson DeChambeau, who figures to try and simply overpower the golf course as Johnson doesn’t have that in his arsenal. But as a past winner with a game that suits what’s required of a traditional approach to conquering Augusta, he’s worth a look at such long odds.