The 2017 Masters is upon us, and with that comes the World AM Staff’s picks for who will be donning the Green Jacket. We’ve taken a different approach than most golf analysts out there, though. We’ll be picking who we think is the favorite to win from 5 different categories and why. The 5 different categories consist of:
- Past Winner – what past winner has the best shot of winning?
- International Player – what international player has the best shot of winning?
- Player Over 40 – what player over the age of 40 has the best shot of winning?
- First Time Player – what first timer has the best shot of winning?
- Favorite – what player has the overall best shot of winning?
To see a full list of the field, click HERE.
So, without further adieu, the World AM Staff’s 2017 Masters Picks!
Scott
Past winner – Jordan Spieth
“Augusta suits his game well which is in great form currently. No chance he finishes outside the top 10.”
International – Rory McIlroy
“If there’s a year he takes home the Green Jacket. This is it.”
Over 40 – Lee Westwood
“Made the cut here 14/18 times, Five top 10’s in last seven years.”
First Time Player – Thomas Pieters
“Lots of great players in this category. Only picked Pieters because people say I look like him. I don’t see it.”
Favorite – Dustin Johnson
“World #1. Period.”
Chris
Past winner – Jordan Spieth
“2013 was the last time The Masters had a Sunday morning leader other than Jordan Spieth, so I’m not betting against 
him.”
International – Rory McIlroy
“He’s eventually going to win at Augusta, which is more than can be said for Garcia, Westwood and Els, among other Internationals, so give me the Irishman.”
Over 40 – No Pick
“Do those guys still play?”
First Time Player – William McGirt
“First time players don’t win The Masters and that won’t change this year, but I’ll be rooting for William McGirt, a native Carolinian and regular Monday After the Masters participant.”
Favorite – Dustin Johnson
“Is there any other answer?”
Cory
Past Winner – Jordan Spieth
“With his epic collapse on the back 9 of the final round last year, Spieth has one thing on his mind: Redemption.”
International – Hideki Matsuyama
“With 3 wins and 2 second place finishes since October, Matsuyama is arguably the hottest golfer right now.”
Over 40 – Phil Mickelson
“Mickelson always comes with his best game to Augusta. 2017 will be no different.”
First Time Player – Jon Rahm
“Currently 7th in the FedEx Cup Rankings and the 26th ranked golfer in the world, there isn’t a newcomer that has a better shot than Jon Rahm.”
Favorite – Dustin Johnson
“He’s the number one golfer in the world and he’s gotten past his first majors win hurdle. It’s his time.”
Ryan
Past Winner – Jordan Spieth
“That’s right The Future already has a past.”
International – Justin Rose
“This guys track record speaks for itself and he is going to break through at this event sooner rather than later.”
Over 40 – Phil Mickelson
“Who else in this category would you consider taking over Lefty.”
First Time – John Rahm
“This course is set up for first timers to normally fail, but if I am choosing one this guy is a clear cut choice for me.”
Favorite – Justin Rose
“Doesn’t matter if you are asking for favorite player, or who I actually think is the favorite to win is in 2017.”
Kyle
Past Winner – Jordan Spieth
“The guy just seems to play well during the biggest tournaments.”
International – Jason Day
“People say his back is not 100%, but I saw an Instagram video of him this week swinging, and he looked good to me.”
Over 40 – Phil Mickleson
“I’m a lefty, he’s a lefty. Us lefty’s need to stick together.”
First Time Player – Toto Gana
“His name reminds me of the dog from The Wizard of Oz – that’s my only reason.”
Favorite – Dustin Johnson
“It may be the homer pick, but how can you bet against this guy right now?”
Jeff
Past Winner – Jordan Spieth
“He’s finished T2-1-T2 in his three visits to Augusta. And last year was probably the biggest meltdown I’ve ever witnessed on a golf course. He loves the place and has the ball striking, putting and mindset to go really, really low.”
International – Rory McIlroy
“He’s only missed the cut once in eight tries and (when healthy) is probably the most talented player in the world. I give him the slight edge over Jason Day, who I think will own a green jacket before his career is over.”
Over 40 – Phil Mickelson
“This is too easy. Other people may get cute here and try to find a way to go against the grain. But, they’re wasting time. He has as many green jackets as missed cuts (3) in 24 appearances. Enough said, but if you need more… He has finishes this year of T8-T21-T14-T16-65-34-T7, so his game is pretty good at the moment as well.”
First Time Player – Tyrell Hatton
“Hatton is on fire right now. He has finishes of T23-T4-10-T4 this year. In addition, he is ranked 1st in SG:Putting, 13th in SG: Off the Tee and 5th in SG: Approach the Green. All of that, especially the putting, will come in handy on your first trip around Augusta National.”
Favorite – Jordan Spieth
“See above. I think he wants to pummel this golf course to make up for last year’s debacle.”
