Charlie’s Corner: Sizing Up The Master’s Field

Welcome to Charlie's Corner, the blog home for Golf Channel analyst Charlie Rymer. A lifelong Myrtle Beach golfer, Rymer, with his characteristic wit and unique perspective, will be weighing in on all things golf for Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday.

It’s that time of the year.  My eyes are watery, my nose is itchy, and the azaleas are popping.  And I’m craving pimento cheese sandwiches.  If you have ever attended The Masters, you know just what I mean about all of the above. 

I’m expecting this year’s Masters to be one of the most interesting ever.  No one knows quite what to expect with Tiger returning to competitive play for the first time since November.  If you haven’t noticed, he’s been in the news a bit lately.  I wish him the best in his personal life, especially so for his wife and children, and I can’t wait to see him play golf.

As for the favorites in the tournament, I think you have to give Steve Stricker and Ernie Els a good look.  Both of these guys have had great starts to the season.  Ernie in particular is coming in with momentum having won at the CA Championship and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.  And with his putting stroke you can’t rule out Stricker.  On the fastest greens in golf, the man with the quietest hands certainly has a shot at running the table. 

A great dark horse pick is Myrtle Beach resident Dustin Johnson.  He picked up his third career win earlier this year at Pebble Beach in convincing fashion.  He is likely the longest player in the field and should be comfortable at Augusta National after making his debut last year.  Johnson is much more than just a bomber.  This guy has a complete game and will be a factor in golf for many years. 

As far as I’m concerned the favorite to win is Tiger Woods.  Early in the week he should get his media duties out of the way and when the bell rings Thursday he will answer the call in strong fashion.  I am expecting his play to be relentless. 

I don’t expect issues with the patrons and if something out of character happens it will be dealt with swiftly.  Off grounds may be a different can of worms.  The energy and interest behind the Tiger Woods story should not be underestimated.  Hopefully the circus will stay on Washington Avenue.

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