Who will win Masters 2016? Dustin Johnson a good bet to claim first-round lead
Dustin Johnson is undoubtedly one of the most talented golfers in the world, yet up to now he’s been found wanting at the business end on the biggest of stages.
A player with his talent really should have won a Major by this point in his career and his capitulation on the 72nd hole at last year’s US Open did nothing to erase the "choker" tag.
The weekends have been the problem for the 31-year-old from South Carolina. He has led or been in a tie for the lead at the end of the first round in the last three Majors.
That is an incredible statistic and I see no reason why he won’t be right up there from the beginning again this week.
He is out early and isn’t in the most demanding of groups with Emiliano Grillo and Justin Thomas.
It will be the par fives that make or break Johnson’s week. His power is immense and, following an excellent third at last week’s Houston Open, he looks excellent value at a general 20/1 to be first-round leader.
I’m also going to throw Rickie Fowler into the mix in the same market at 20/1 with Betway.
He has all the attributes required to win a Green Jacket this year and I can also see him starting quickly.
Rory McIlroy is 13/8 with Betway to be top European, but that looks short enough to me.
It’s true that his last two performances at Augusta have been his best finishing positions – fourth and eighth – but I’m just not convinced it’s his ideal course.
He still needs to put the demons of 2011 to bed and I’d rather back Justin Rose each-way at 11/2 with Betway.
The 2013 US Open champion performed brilliantly here 12 months ago to finish second to Jordan Spieth.
He hasn’t set the world alight so far this year, but he’s mightily consistent at the Majors.
Finally, I’m going to take a chance on amateur Bryson DeChambeau each-way at 16/1 in the top debutant market.
This is a hugely promising young golfer, who is just 4/6 to win top amateur, and he can prove himself a star in the making.
Pointers
Dustin Johnson first round leader e/w at 20/1 general
Rickie Fowler first round leader e/w at 20/1 with Betway
Justin Rose top European e/w at 11/2 with Betway
Bryson DeChambeau top debutant e/w at 16/1 general