Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Commentary: Couples looks good in green

THIS YEAR'S Masters lineup appears to be incredibly difficult to handicap.

Be that as it may, here are my odds for the week:

* Fred Couples, 10-1: One expects this classy guy with the classic swing to win wherever he tees it up -- despite his bad luck. A proven winner who won here in '92.

* Ernie Els, 12-1: Could this be the talented South African's first major? Could have, should have won last year's PGA.

* Davis Love, 14-1: Second here last year and has a game made for this layout. A win would come as no surprise.

* Greg Norman, 15-1: Wants this crown so bad he can taste it. Has not been too consistent of late, but a proven winner who rises to the occasion.

* Tom Lehman, 16-1: An incredibly consistent competitor who was second here to Jose Maria Olazabal in '94 and third to Bernhard Langer in '93.

* Ian Woosnam, 16-1: Won first two European events this year and it's obvious his game is back. Victorious here in 1991.

* Tom Watson, 18-1: Playing as well, if not better than ever, tee-to-green. Putting not nearly as bad as previous couple of years. What a victory this would be.

* Phil Mickelson, 20-1: Has every facet of the game with a brilliant touch on and around the greens. Needs a major to prove himself.

* Corey Pavin, 22-1: An incredibly fierce competitor whose worst finish here since '91 is a T22. Current U.S. Open champ.

* Bernhard Langer, 25-1: An underrated player who possesses two Masters jackets. Can never be counted out.

* Nick Faldo, 27-1: Hard to say if his priorities have changed, but certainly not the player he was a couple of years ago. Back-to-back winner here in '89 and '90.

* Nick Price, 28-1: 1993 and '94 were incredible for this personable fellow. Did nothing last year but looks to be back on track.

* Frank Nobilo, 30-1: A smooth swinger from the European Tour who invariably comes to the fore in the majors.

* John Daly, 32-1: Proved his mettle in last year's British Open. His length off the tee could prove a big factor.

* Jack Nicklaus, 35-1: A legend in his own time who has been written off more than once. Never underrate the Bear.

* Steve Elkington, 38-1: Current PGA champion and a proven player. Putting could be a bit suspect on these slick greens.

* Fuzzy Zoeller, 40-1: Won in his first start here back in 1979 and has missed only two cuts since. Playing very well.

* Scott Hoch, 45-1: Has never forgotten blowing '89 Masters when he lost in playoff to Faldo. A true journeyman.

* Ben Crenshaw, 50-1: An unforgettable and emotional victory here last year for mentor, Harvey Penick. Tough to repeat.

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