Olazabal: Europe's last winner in '99
After winning eight Green Jackets in the final 12 years of the last MIllennium, the European challenge at Augusta has gone cold.
But then no European had won any major this century before Padraig Harrington finally ended the Old Continent's long wait at Carnoustie last July.
Could that be the catalyst for a renewed European dominance of Augusta's hallowed turf?
If so, who are the most likely candidates to win this week?
Share your thoughts on the European challenge...
Comments
Richard Grun says...
when it comes down to sunday afternoon on the back nine, europeans on our tour are used to maybe being chased by one or two guys a few shots back. in the US on their tour, tiger is either chasing everyone from way back, or he is so far ahead they will all be chasing him. the europeans wil not be used to be chased down the back 9 by guys in the top 50 in the world, compared to on our tour being chased by the nearly men, or average tour players. no experience creates nerves. tiger.......
Posted 08:50 12th April 2008
Matt Porter says...
I think the main problem with our better Europeans is that they are all based in the US and do not win regularly enough and so are not used to being in that winning position on a Sunday afternoon. If you look at our Golden Age of Faldo, Seve, Woosie, Langer et al, they were all playing in Europe and winning on a regular basis. I cannot see too far past Woods, but in terms of a European, I could see Westwood or Stenson mounting the biggest challenge.
Posted 10:58 10th April 2008
Arthur Greenwood says...
I've played Augusta alongside Ken Brown for a Charity pro-am. I got the feeling that although the greens are fast, they are playable if you fly the ball high into land. For this reason I am going with Donald as my pick to win. This will surely be the second signal (after POD at The Open) of European dominance. After all, the Americans look fairly weak if you take away Tiger.
Posted 13:26 9th April 2008
Max Folland says...
I honestly can not see anyone other than Tiger Woods winning the Masters, his form this year has been exceptional. However, if he does have a bad week I think his greateast challenges will come from Geoff Ogilvy, Ernie and Harrington. I think Harrington is the only realistic European challenger with his length and accuracy. Garcia and Poulter are too erratic. Donald isn't long enough to win at Augusta and I don't think Westwood's short putting is good enough for the greens there. So if Woods doesn't win it, I think Harrington will be our European hope.
Posted 15:03 8th April 2008
Declan Swayne says...
There are a couple of Europeans in with a shout, most notably Harrington, Stenson and Westwood but they will need to play out of their skins. Garcia's putting woes will prevent him from donning the green jacket. I think one of the Australian crew could come up trumps, probably Ogilvy or Scott. Don't see this tournament as the foregone conclusion everyone makes out. Tiger has traditionally given everyone a big boost by never breaking par in Round 1. Come on Harrington although I would love to see Els claiming the big prize.
Posted 14:21 8th April 2008
Terry Macken says...
The trouble with the Europeans at the monent is that they are good - but not that good. Westy, Donald, Poults, Sergio they are all just short of being top class, which is what Faldo and Seve and Ollie and Bernie were in their day. Best bet this week is Pod - a proven winner, never stops battling, great scrambler and has targeted Augusta for months. My ¿5ew is on the Dubliner!
Posted 11:17 8th April 2008
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