Young, gifted... and in green? Five upstarts who might take the jacket

It’s an old-fashioned contest brimming with tradition – but could one of this young group rock The Masters this weekend?

TIGER WOODS BECAME the youngest-ever winner of the US Masters in 1997 at just 21 years of age.

The previous record was held by Seve Ballesteros who won in 1980 at just 23 years of age. So it’s not unheard of for a so-called “young-gun” to don a green jacket.

Having said that though, Woods and Ballesteros are the exceptions. US Masters winners have generally have years of experience under their belts. It’s not that young guns don’t have the talent, it’s more that August National is a course that a player needs to learn how to play.

So let’s take a look at the chances of this year’s crop of “young guns.”

Young, gifted... and in green? Five upstarts who might take the jacket

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Jason Day (23)
At 23-years-of-age, Jason Day is maybe a little light on Major Championship experience, even though there are younger players than him in the field. His Major debut was last year’s British Open, but he is clearly a quick learner as he tied for 10th in his second Major, the USPGA Championship at Whistling Straits. He does have a PGA Tour victory to his name, the 2010 HP Byron Nelson Championship. Has reasonable form this season with two top-10s in seven events. Verdict: Needs to have the week of his life.
Rickie Fowler (22)
Another making his US Masters debut this year, but his uber-confidence means he is unlikely to be overwhelmed by the experience. The 2010 Rookie of the Year is yet to contend in any Major in his three years on tour. His best finish this season was at the WGC Cadillac Championship and is beginning to learn how to put himself in contention on a more regular basis. Verdict: Will be putting this week down to a learning experience.
Ryo Ishikawa (19)
Playing in his third US Masters, but has missed the half-way cut in both of the last two years. Has won nine times in his career on the Japanese Tour and shot a record breaking 58 last year, but is yet to prove that he can transfer this form onto one of the main tours. Known in Japan as the “Bashful Prince” he has pledged to donate all his winnings this season to victims of the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Verdict: Could be a coming of age for him.
Anthony Kim (25)
The oldest and most experienced of our “young guns”, Kim came third at last year’s US Masters. He also set a record in 2009 for most birdies in a round at the US Masters when he made 11 birdies in his second round. On the other hand, he is still working his way back to form from a thumb injury which saw him miss almost six months of last year and his results this season do little to inspire confidence. Verdict: Not on recent form, but could pull something out of the bag
Rory McIlroy (21)
Tied 20th in his first US Masters but missed the half-way cut last year. Has shown good form so far this season with five top-10s and has come third in both of his last two Majors (British Open and USPGA). Tipped a certain Major winner, but yet to prove he has earned one. His putting has consistently been his achilles heel and you only win the Masters by putting exceptionally well. Verdict: Needs to get hot with the putter.