The Masters: 10 Factors That Will Determine the 2017 Masters Champion

Apr 4, 2017; Augusta, GA, USA; Masters champion Jordan Spieth arrives at the 11th green during the Tuesday practice round at Augusta National GC. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Augusta, GA, USA; Masters champion Jordan Spieth arrives at the 11th green during the Tuesday practice round at Augusta National GC. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Masters Golf Tournament tees off tomorrow, and the winner’s life will forever change. In one of sports’ toughest tests, the following 10 factors will choose the 2017 champion.

6. International Players.

jon rahm
Mar 26, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Jon Rahm of Spain plays against Dustin Johnson of the United States during the final round of the World Golf Classic – Dell Match Play golf tournament at Austin Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /

The emergence, and quasi-domination, of international golf on the PGA Tour is something recent. Until just a couple of years ago, this writer, and others, lamented the state of U.S. golf. But that has never been the case at The Masters. International players have always succeeded here, and do so regularly. Danny Willett (ENG) is the reigning champion.

With the weather up in the first couple of days, it will be interesting to see how and which players can adjust. The European players are certainly accustomed to those predicted conditions. Can they play this course under those conditions? Maybe. But one thing is always certain. The international golf world, and their best players, show up for this tournament. They will this year.

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