ESPN.com - Golf Online - Masters 2001 - Furyk, Weir could challenge Woods

By Andy North
Special to ESPN.com
Tuesday, April 3

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Although it's tough any week to pick against Tiger Woods, it's even tougher at a major. The Masters is no exception. I don't know how anyone can pick against him at a major, because he is so much more focused than he is during normal weeks


	Jim Furyk's highest finish at Augusta was fourth in 1998.

Other than Woods, the logical picks to win The Masters are Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Hal Sutton and Tom Lehman. But looking at players who are playing well and should excel at Augusta National, I also like Jim Furyk, who has a good record at majors and putts well on fast greens.

Mike Weir is playing solid golf. The 67 he shot Sunday at the BellSouth Classic was phenomenal. Weir is the type of player who may be ready to win. Stewart Cink uses his head really well and does a lot of things right on the course. Another player who is always intriguing is Mark Calcavecchia. He has won already this season, and at times he can be brilliant.

The type of player perfectly suited for Augusta is one who can hit the ball high and long, can draw the ball, and can putt effectively. Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus played the course better than anyone; both hit the ball high, and Watson drew the ball with his natural shot.

This also may be a time for Sergio Garcia to jump in and do something. He's played well at times. With all the par-5s and the way Garcia gets emotional when he's playing well, he could excel this week.

I still think the winner will either be Woods or one of the other favorites -- Singh, Mickelson, Els, Sutton, Lehman or Love, who has had a wonderful year already. Singh is playing great golf and was brilliant last year in winning the green jacket. I keep thinking Mickelson will bust through and win a major. Els isn't playing great, but he is a skilled player who can turn things around quickly. These players, led by Woods, are the best in the world for a reason.

Don't forget the front nine
For years, people have said the back nine on Sunday is when and where The Masters is won or lost. But I've always thought a key stretch on the course was holes 3-5.

If someone gets through those three holes with a par and two birdies or at even-par, he is in good position to have a solid front nine. If anyone slips and makes three bogeys, it can set the tone for the rest of the day.

On the back nine, Nos. 11, 12, 13 and 15 are potential disasters due to water. Past Masters have been lost due to high scores on those four holes. At the same time, surviving that stretch at 2- or 3-under has catapulted players to the championship.

Overall, the Augusta course is a great combination of holes that tests golfers both mentally and physically. Players have to keep their wits about them and consistently play some wonderful shots.

One of the biggest problems I had was walking the course. The severe slopes and hills were hard on my legs. Sometimes, I couldn't even play an 18-hole practice round. Because of that, I was never consistent at Augusta National and made some critical mistakes that killed my chances.

Whoever can overcome the mental and physical challenges the best and play the most consistent golf should add a green jacket to his wardrobe Sunday.

Senior Tour player Andy North, a two-time U.S. Open champion, will be covering The Masters for ESPN.

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