Johnson, Spieth, McIlroy three to beat at Masters

Dustin Johnson returns to this week’s US Masters a different person than a year ago, more confident and comfortable, a golfer with greatness in his sights but some Everest-like mountains still to climb.Johnson, the newly-ascended world number one, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy are the three clear favourites for the year’s first major championship, though at least two dozen others have a realistic chance of winning if the stars all align at the right time.But the road to the Green Jacket will lead through Johnson, who ticks all the boxes as the man to beat.Before he is measured for a Green Jacket, however, it would be wise to remember he would not be the first favourite to be spat out by the unforgiving Augusta National layout.The American, with victories in his past three starts, has a game tailor made for Augusta, prodigiously long off the tee, confident with his irons and short game and a soft putting stroke that seems to be getting better with age.He also has a good recent Masters record – tied fourth last year and tied sixth in 2015 – and returns approaching a golfer’s usual peak at the age of 32.“I don’t think I’ve ever gone into a major being ranked number one,” he said recently, before adding to laughter: “Actually, I know I haven’t.“It’s not going to be any different for me. I’m still going to prepare like I always do and go out and try to play the best I can. I played good there the last two years. I’m excited to go back when the game is in good form. I feel like everything is working pretty well.”While Johnson arrives with a spring in his step, Spieth is hardly looking forward to being reminded of his 2016 debacle, when he endured arguably the worst collapse in Masters history, giving up a five-shot lead over the final nine holes, due largely to a quadruple bogey at the 12th hole.He missed the cut in Houston on Friday, but publicly at least sounded an upbeat note. “I made strides in my putting this week, which is something I can take a lot of confidence into next week,” he said. “Putting well next week obviously is important considering I didn’t strike it very well last year and certainly was in position to win.”While Spieth’s short game and putting are usually second to none, McIlroy has been working to raise those facets of the game to a level close to his ball-striking.Perhaps only Johnson can drive the ball as long and accurately as McIlroy, whose chances often hinge on the quality of his wedge game and putter. “I feel like that part of my game is as sharp as it has ever been going into Augusta, so that’s a good thing,” said McIlroy, who with a victory would become just the sixth man to win all four modern major championships.Others to watch include American veteran Phil Mickelson as he goes for a fourth Green Jacket at the age of 46, Hideki Matsuyama trying to fulfill the hopes of a nation and become the first Japanese player to win a men’s major, and Jon Rahm, young, strong and fearless, whose chances maybe be hindered only by his lack of course knowledge in his Masters debut.Statistical records of the MastersStatistical records from the U.S. Masters tournament, first held at Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia in 1934 and being played this year for the 81st time from April 6-9:Most titles:Six - Jack Nicklaus (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986)Four - Arnold Palmer (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964); Tiger Woods (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005)Three - Jimmy Demaret (1940, 1947, 1950); Sam Snead (1949, 1952, 1954); Gary Player (1961, 1974, 1978); Nick Faldo (1989, 1990, 1996); Phil Mickelson (2004, 2006, 2010)Most top-five finishes:15 - Jack Nicklaus11 - Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson9 - Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Tom Kite, Tom WatsonOldest champion:Jack Nicklaus, 1986 - 46 years two months 23 daysYoungest champion:Tiger Woods, 1997 - 21 years three months 14 daysLowest 18-hole rounds:63 (nine under) - Nick Price, third round, 1986; Greg Norman, first round, 1996Lowest 72-hole totals:270 - Tiger Woods (70-66-65-69), 1997; Jordan Spieth (64-66-70-70), 2015Highest winning totals:289 - Sam Snead (74-73-70-72), 1954; Jack Burke (72-71-75-71), 1956; Zach Johnson (71-73-76-69), 2007Largest winning margin:12 shots - Tiger Woods, 1997