BBC - 606 - - A34439682 - Can anyone stop the Tiger?

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Can anyone stop the Tiger?

by Pranav S - BBC Sport (U5268639) 10 April 2008

Almost every preview for a Major begins with these five words - but really, are the other 93 golfers in the Masters field chasing second place?

The bookies certainly think so, with some pricing Woods at 11/8 to parade the green jacket for the fifth time in his Major-laden career.

The 32-year-old has taken a serious liking to 2008, winning seven of his eight tournaments with a combination of a red-hot putter and laser-guided irons as he begins his quest to become the first golfer to win the Grand Slam - holding all four majors in the same calendar year.

But with all the headlines on Woods and his chase for golf history, the rest of the field can quietly go about their game without too much fuss.

Defending champion Zach Johnson managed to hold off Woods last year, while Phil Mickelson - although hardly in the form of his life right now - has won two of the previous four events at Augusta.

And writing off Ernie Els, Vijay Singh or Retief Goosen would be churlish and incredibly naive.

Open champion Padraig Harrington leads the European contingent, most of whom have had experience playing on the long, Georgian greens to be in contention come Sunday.

The likes of Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Luke Donald, Henrik Stensson and Lee Westwood have the potential to give Tiger the run of his life.

So who's your tip for the Masters? Can you see beyond Woods - or is it a one-man show? I've got a sneaky feeling this could be Luke Donald's tournament.

Let us know your thoughts throughout the first day and follow the live action here: news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/gol...

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comment by yesthisisaname (U11421667)

posted Apr 12, 2008

I think he'll come close but just wont get it.

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comment by oldskoolsoulboy (U11575700)

posted Apr 12, 2008

as the pins get tougher and the scores slow, i think with tiger so far adrift and not looking his usual dominant self that the door is opening for Lefty. A suprise European Darkhorse? Paul Casey looks worthy of a couple of �.

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comment by yankmex (U11575537)

posted Apr 12, 2008

I just read Justin Rose's comments and I think they illustrate why he will never win a major. He couldn't concentrate?! There was a lot of noise?! He has neither the heart or the stomach for the fight.

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comment by JacktheLadV (U11576127)

posted Apr 12, 2008

Got to agree about Mickelson, he seems well placed going into the weekend and his Masters pedigree will see him the winner come Sunday evening.

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comment by cantonaa (U9321051)

posted Apr 12, 2008

There's more chance of Woods winning 0 Majors this year than him winning all 4.
Worth a bet. What odds would you expect on zero Majors?

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comment by cantonaa (U9321051)

posted Apr 12, 2008

Rose reminds me of Henman. All show, no dough.

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comment by RebelArmyRedDevil (aka RARD) *Keano - Red Legend, Prem's Greatest* (U8557329)

posted Apr 12, 2008

Could be carnage here on "Moving Saturday", 3 out of 6 are already over par, first group out hasn't even reached the third yet, course looks like it's playing tough.

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comment by radfordkennedygeorge (U9237619)

posted Apr 12, 2008

hes incredible the way he slides up slowly up that leaderboard without playing top gear

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comment by Haroldinho (U3235780)

posted Apr 9, 2009

Am I right in thinking that Rose has headed the day one leaderboard ( for time at least) in the last four Masters ?...

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comment by Haroldinho (U3235780)

posted Apr 9, 2009

Higglesworth . Wanna play the lookalike game ?
How's about Rory McIlroy - and Joanie from Happy Days ? or Justin Leonard and Prince Andrew ?