Golf in London

Lee Westwood lost just one stroke to par on Saturday to hold his position as leader of the US Masters 2010, whilst his playing partner, Ian Poulter dropped shots at 5th, 6th, 10th and 12th. Despite Fred Couples’ comments about Mickelson, Westwood’s solid play makes him the man to beat.

It’s hard to imagine Westwood crumbling under the pressure, even on the back nine of Augusta to become the first English winner of a Major for years. It’s going to be up to Mickelson, Woods, Choi and Couples to hit a round in the 60s, or maybe Kim and Poulter find their putting touch and post an early low clubhouse lead.

At one point on Saturday, Westwood seemed to be running away with the tournament, until he was reigned in by a crowd-pleasing charge by Phil Mickelson who unbelievably missed by only inches at the 15th on making three eagles in row.

Although his play so far and his calm demenour all point to a Westwood win, I can’t help seeing a pumped-up and competitive Mickelson bullying the back nine into giving up enough birdies to take that Green Jacket. And of all possible eventualities this year, and as wonderful as a win by an English golfer would be, the result I would most like to see is Fred Couples, buoyed by the crowd, repeat his first round 66 and win his second Masters title at 50 years old.

The US Masters at Augusta National Golf Club begins in earnest on Thursday 8 April 2010.

All the press coverage so far as concentrated on the return of Tiger Woods to playing golf on tour, and the lens and studio punditry is likely to remain focussed here all four days, whether or not Tiger makes the cut after a five month lay off, leads or fights his way into contention, taking the limelight and pressure from the other movers and shakers.

Contenders for the US Masters 2010

Ernie Els has rediscovered his form this year and, with the exception of the last few years, can be considered something of a specialist at Augusta. Jim Furyk won the Transitions PGA tournament in 2010, and always performs well at Augusta.

English players in the US Masters 2010

Surely 2010 is the year an English golfer will win at least one Major, and several players arrive in form this April at Augusta National.

In the last two years Lee Westwood has threatened and finished in the top three in all the other three Major Championships, but has struggled to do better than 12th at the US Masters.

Paul Casey whose game is said to be suited to Augusta, struggled with injury at the end of 2009 and withdrew from the Houston Open last week due to an injury to his left shoulder, so his fitness for the US Masters is in a little doubt.

Ross Fisher led for a short while on his debut at the US Masters in 2009 and finally finished a respectable 30th place, whilst making the top 20 in all of the other three Majors last year.

Ian Poulter, 34 years old, will be a strong contender for England this year at Augusta. He enters with form having won in February 2010 by beating Paul Casey in the WGC -Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona.

Luke Donald has shown some form this year with three top 10 finishes but hasn’t made much impact in the US Masters since 2005 when he tied for third.

Simon Dyson and Chris Wood make their first appearance at the US Masters in 2010.

Sadly for English hopes of a winner, Justin Rose, who has played here so brilliantly and come closest to winning for England in recent years, has failed to make the cut this year.

The City Golfer’s Selections for US Masters Glory

My record here is not good, but all the same my selections this year are:

• Geoff Ogilvy (played well in the 2009 US Masters, good form in the Majors, and has a win this year in the SBS Championship)
• Vijay Singh (looked to be making a comeback earlier this year, but back troubles could end his ambitions this time)
• Camilo Villegas (has had a great start to 2010, looks strong and focused)
• Mike Weir (struggled last year, but a consistent performer and past champion at Augusta)
• Fred Couples (despite two missed cuts in 2008/9, Couples has an enviable Masters record and the past Champion returns this week after three back to back wins this year)
• Graeme McDowell (tied for 17th in his debut last year, and having a good 2010 so far)

Whatever happens, it’s sure to be a tense and riveting tournament, and with so many golfers in contention the back nine on Suday should offer up plenty of drama.