2019 Masters at Augusta this Weekend, Who You Got?

With the Masters coming up this weekend, a lot of eyes are on Tiger as usual and personally, I am quite interested in how he will play. I think it would be a great story to see him return and win another major but based on the field, it will be difficult for him to do so. Several players are coming in off of some really solid golf including Rory McIlroy who's still seeking his first green jacket and who recently won in dramatic fashion at The Players. Other names include Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson, and Francesco Molinari who have all won this year. As for my pick, I'll be keeping an eye on Xander Schuaffele.

He's already won once this year and going back to last year's Open at Carnoustie, he was in contention through the 72nd hole although he would falter at the end shooting 3-over while Francesco Molinari would close it out with a solid 2-under. Schuaffele is a scrappy golfer who isn't a bomber like most of the top players in the world and instead relies heavily on solid iron play and terrific short game, all things which Augusta demands of its players. His game is kinda similar to that of Zach Johnson who was a winner back in 2007 with impressive ball-striking and stellar putting. While Augusta has been lengthened in recent years, I still believe that those with accuracy both off the tee and into the greens combined with solid short game will come out on top.

Maybe it's cause I like rooting for the short hitters, the underdogs on tour. Perhaps it's because my game has a similar model being a 3-handicap yet only driving the ball 270 and instead relying heavily on my mid to long irons and my putter. Either way, I'm rooting for Schuaffele this weekend and with a name like that, what's not to love? Overall, the golf season is in full swing and us fans have an exciting year ahead of us. I'm curious to what you guys think about this week's Masters and your picks for the 2019 champion. Happy Masters Week!