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

By W. M. Lawson

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.

7. Cagey Veterans.

Mar 3, 2017; Mexico City, MEX; Phil Mickelson looks at his shot from the 18th tee during the second round of the WGC – Mexico Championship golf tournament at Club de Golf Chapultepec. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Mexico City, MEX; Phil Mickelson looks at his shot from the 18th tee during the second round of the WGC – Mexico Championship golf tournament at Club de Golf Chapultepec. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Jack Nicklaus in 1986. Ray Floyd in 1992. Ben Crenshaw in 1995. There are actually dozens of stories and examples of cagey veterans coming to life in this tournament. One reason is that it’s the first major of the year. The season grind hasn’t started. Another reason is that , if you are good enough to play this tournament many times, you are a really, really good player and student of the game.

But the main reason is that The Augusta National Golf Course, and her tournament, are fickle, feisty, and nuanced. There is no way to appreciate the undulations and elevations unless you’ve walked it. You really can’t appreciate pin placements and course contours unless you’ve played it a bunch. Experiential knowledge is gold. But can that gold be turned into green?

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