Masters 2011: Plenty Of First-Timers Can Make An Impact

The Masters, just like Augusta National, is not something to be taken lightly. Many golfers who eventually win it suffer through many years of learning the course and pressure that comes with it first. 2008 winner Trevor Immelman first played in 1999. Tiger Woods first played the course in 1995 before winning it all in 1997. Post-1935, only Fuzzy Zoeller has won the Masters in his first try back and that was back in 1979.

The odds are against someone winning the Masters in their first try. However there’s a couple newbies on hand that might be able to make a run of it.

Martin Laird - Ranked 21st in the world and recent winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Laird is hardly a sleeper. He’s got a legitimate shot.

Ricky Fowler - Known for his colorful clothing, Fowler is becoming known for his golf game as well. His long drives and good short game make him an attractive sleeper pick.

Peter Uihlein - Winner of the US Amateur champion last year, Uihlein isn’t expecting big things in his first trip to Augusta. “Making the cut would be nice and being low amateur.”

Jhonattan Vegas - Thanks to his early-season win at the Bob Hope Classic, he’s an automatic qualifier. He’s now No. 13 on the Tour and has the game for this kind of course.

For more on the tournament, check out Masters 2011 first round tee times, Masters 2011 odds and the rest of our 2011 Masters StoryStream or head over to Waggle Room and SB Nation Atlanta.