There was a time not long ago when Britain’s golfers ruled Augusta National like no other country. Now, the latest group of talented Britons is determined to end the empire’s 17-year drought at the Masters.
England’s Justin Rose ranks third in the world and countryman luke Donald is No. 4. Ian Poulter and lee Westwood give Britain four of the world’s top 13 players, second only to the United States’ six. None of the British stars have broken through at the majors — something they hope to change when the Masters starts on Thursday.
All four have excelled in Europe’s recent Ryder Cup triumphs and all four have contended on Augusta National. So doesn’t it seem surprising none have yet to slip on the green jacketIJ “Yes, simple answer,” Poulter said on Tuesday.
British golfers were unstoppable for a time, winning five Masters between 1988 and 1996. Scotland’s Sandy lyle got the ball rolling in 1988 before Nick Faldo won consecutive tournaments in 1989 and 1990. Ian Woosnam of Wales made it four in a row in 1991. Faldo won his third and final Masters in 1996, the recipient of Greg Norman’s historic six-shot collapse in the final round.
That’s when the winning stopped for British competitors. “Nothing surprises me in golf anymore,” said Donald.
Donald has come close here twice before, tying for third behind Tiger Woods — remember the hole out from the bunker on No. 16IJ — in 2005 and then finishing fourth six years later when champion Charl Schwartzel ended his round with four straight birdies.