2017 Masters Picks: Golf Monthly staff

The Golf Monthly editorial staff attempt to predict who will claim the Green Jacket with their 2017 Masters picks

2017 Masters picks
Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose are fancied by members of the Golf Monthly team
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Below, the members of the Golf Monthly editorial staff attempt to predict who will claim the Green Jacket with their 2017 Masters picks

Below, the members of the Golf Monthly editorial staff attempt to predict who will claim the Green Jacket with their 2017 Masters picks.

The 2017 Masters promises to be one of the most open Majors in years, with virtually all of the world's best players heading to Augusta National in some sort of form.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, our office Masters picks reflect this. But who will be right, and, as often happens at Augusta, will someone unexpected charge through the field on Sunday afternoon?

Who knows. Until the tournament proper, all we can do is speculate...

Michael Harris, editor Matthew Fitzpatrick: Finished T7 last year after a final-round 67. Ready to take his game to the next level.

Neil Tappin, digital editor Jason Day: Hits it a long way, usually with a draw, and putts like a World No.1. A nailed-on contender.

Tom Clarke, senior content editor Hideki Matsuyama: Top five in the world, has won five times and had two runner-up finishes between October 2016 and February 2017. He’s ready to break his Major duck and has had two top tens in the last two Masters.

Nick Bonfield, content editor Justin Rose: Has made a solid start to the 2017 season, with three PGA Tour top fives already. His putting has improved and he has a very good record at Augusta – he hasn’t finished outside the top 25 since 2008.

David Taylor, content editor Jordan Spieth: His short game seems to be getting back to near its best, he’s sorted out his ball-striking and his record over the last two Masters tournaments, barring the 12th last year, speaks for itself.

Joel Tadman, technical editor Rory McIlroy: Finished last season in great form and if he gets over his lay-off quickly, he’s ready to complete the Major set.

Jake O’Reilly, technical writer Adam Scott: At the time of writing in early March, the Aussie is yet to finish outside the top 15 in five starts and could excel once more in Georgia on a course he loves.

Elliott Heath, intern Dustin Johnson: Has been inside the top six in the last two years; will be unstoppable if he drives it well.

 

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x