Big hitters lining up in Georgia

Augusta National tremendously favours long-ball hitters, who typically fly the ball high and who can shape the ball at will. 

Its greens place a huge premium on accuracy, so expect the winner this week to be determined more by the quality of their approach shots and the amount of greens in regulation they hit, (the last 10 champions averaged 49 or more during the week), than simply putting numbers alone.

With conditions set to be cool and blustery for the opening two days, it may impact on players’ ability to reach the par-5s in two shots, giving great wedge players an early chance, but with temperatures predicted to be in the mid-70s later in the week, expect the longer hitters to dominate again.