MX23RW : Tuesday, December 17 02:29:36| >> :600:336838665:336838665:

The Masters: Sports Mole's five weekend tips

With The Masters having reached the halfway stage, Sports Mole assesses who could hold their nerve over the weekend to win the first Major of 2014.

Earlier this week, Sports Mole offered several suggestions for who could potentially win the 2014 Masters, but some of our selections have done considerably better than others!

2012 winner Bubba Watson has undoubtedly been the star of the first two rounds after opening up a three-shot advantage over the field, but the past two days have already shown that hopes and dreams can be shattered in an instant on a testing Augusta course.

With the tournament in Georgia reaching the halfway stage and plenty of the big names missing the cut, we have selected five players who we think could be awarded the green jacket late on Sunday evening.


Bubba Watson of the US reacts after making a birdie putt on the 14th green during the second round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2014© Getty Images
1. Bubba Watson

The American left-hander produced a stellar performance on Friday, hitting five consecutive birdies on the back nine to open up a three-shot advantage over the rest of the field.

His performance should come as no surprise after an impressive six months that has seen him record five top-10 finishes in his last seven tournaments.

A solid showing on Saturday would put Watson firmly in control ahead of the final round, but the five-time PGA Tour winner has only emerged victorious once in eight attempts when leading a tournament at the 36-hole stage.

Odds: 7/4


Adam Scott of Australia plays a shot during the third round of the Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 11, 2014© Getty Images
2. Adam Scott

Adam Scott's hopes of retaining his title looked in some doubt early on Friday after three dropped shots in five holes, but the reigning champion produced a faultless finish to reach the halfway stage four off the lead.

Apart from that minor blip yesterday, there has been a calmness about the Australian's play, who will move to world number one if he can win back-to-back Masters crowns.

It's hard to look past Scott hitting a round of 70-odd during the third round, and if he features in one of the final three groups on Sunday, the 33-year-old will be ready to make his move to the top of the leaderboard.

Odds: 5/1


Jordan Spieth plays a shot from the bunker on April 03, 2014.© Getty Images
3. Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth has been a revelation since his debut on the PGA Tour, and his rise to stardom in the sport doesn't look like subsiding any time soon.

Playing in his first Masters, the 20-year-old has recorded two under-par rounds to end Friday in a tie for third place, and if he can retain the same sort of composure that he has shown in the first two days, he has a chance.

His temperament will be tested on Saturday after being paired with Scott, but after spending the Thursday and Friday with Rory McIlroy, Spieth will have no fears about being in the spotlight over the weekend.

Odds: 10/1


Jamie Donaldson in action during the Bridgestone Invitational on August 2, 2013© Getty Images
4. Jamie Donaldson

Jamie Donaldson won't be tipped by many to make his presence felt over the weekend, but that could work in the Welshman's favour.

Despite being ranked 28 in the world rankings, Donaldson is relatively unknown in the United States, but his most notable performance came at the Cadillac WGC last month where he finished in second position.

Donaldson is six off the pace at Augusta, but he could relish the opportunity of performing out of the spotlight on Saturday.

Odds: 50/1


Louis Oosthuizen celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2014 Volvo Golf Champions on January 12, 2014© Getty Images
5. Louis Oosthuizen

After an injury-hit 2013, Louis Oosthuizen looked back to his best on Thursday, and he was enjoying another impressive round on Friday before an eight at the par-five 15th saw him fall down the leaderboard.

However, the South African has played some of the best golf of the week and despite being seven shots off Watson, he can still become a threat in this tournament if he can shoot his second 69 of the week on Saturday.

The former Masters runner-up will need a few factors to work in his favour, but the 2010 Open victor cannot be ruled out of adding a second Major trophy to his cabinet.

Odds: 55/1


ID:149304: cacheID:149304:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7622:
Written by
Darren Plant
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Bill Haas of the United States points on the ninth tee box during round one of the Shell Houston Open at the Golf Club of Houston on April 3, 2014
Read Next:
Haas leads the way at The Masters
>