US Masters / Paul Krishnamurty / 22 March 2010 /

We all know the likes of Anthony Kim, Hunter Mahan and Rory McIlroy have plenty of potential but which of the young guns present at Augusta this year is likely to come closest to wearing the Green Jacket, asks Paul Krishnamurty.

Camilo Villegas

Last five Masters attempts: 13/mc/mc/-/-

The odds about a second consecutive South American winner have shortened markedly in recent weeks, as Colombia's finest has begun to fulfil his long-touted potential. Villegas concluded an excellent run of competitive efforts by landing his third PGA Tour title with some ease at the
Honda Classic. He appears ideally suited by tough, Major venues and started to get the hang of Augusta last year at the third attempt with 13th place.

Verdict:

Improving rapidly, and one of the most in-form candidates

Rory McIlroy

Last five Masters attempts: 20/-/-/-/-

One couldn't help but be impressed with Rory's efforts in 20th place on last year's Augusta debut, especially as that result was made much worse by one disastrous hole. This is a course that usually takes several attempts to learn, so the rest could be forgiven for fearing what the fully developed McIlroy might achieve here. He's certainly made vast strides over the past twelve months, even if there is massive room for improvement in both his putting and conversion ratio.

Verdict:

Dangerous to write off, but probably still not quite a good enough putter for Augusta.

Anthony Kim

Last five Masters attempts: 20/-/-/-/-

Kim also made a good impression on his Augusta debut, but a lack of consistency since puts him in danger of being overtaken by an ever-growing band of brilliant youngsters. Nevertheless, he remains an outstanding prospect who appears to have the temperament for the big occasion, and there have been hints of a return to form lately, most notably when finishing runner-up behind Villegas at the Honda Classic.

Verdict: Could well win a Green Jacket in time, but plenty to prove right now

Martin Kaymer

Last five Masters attempts: mc/mc/-/-/-

It will be a big surprise if Kaymer doesn't vastly improve on his two previous missed cuts at Augusta. The German has seriously improved over the past year, winning three European Tour titles and rarely being out of contention, irrespective of the opposition. He doesn't appear to have any weaknesses and warrants serious consideration whenever he tees it up.

Verdict:

A strong candidate at a decent price

Hunter Mahan

Last five Masters attempts: 10/mc/28/-/-

Still in his twenties, Mahan remains one of the best young Americans and 2010 could be the year when he really starts achieving as much as his potential suggests he should. Having been a regular contender without much luck for the past two seasons, Mahan landed a long overdue second PGA Tour title at the recent Phoenix Open. That breakthrough could prove the inspiration to take his career up another level, and last year's top-10 finish marked him down as a future Augusta contender.

Verdict:

Good value at the current quote of around [80.0]

Selection

Hunter Mahan @ [80.0]

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