With no strokes gained data at Augusta National this week, Round 2 Showdown plays will need to be based off of the eye test and feel for the tournament.
Top-Tier Targets
Justin Thomas ($10,500): JT’s ball striking seemed to steadily improve throughout the first round Thursday. After shooting +3 on the front, Thomas managed to shoot -2 on the back. He should be able to carry his momentum into tomorrow morning and go low to get himself in the mix for weekend.
Rory McIlroy ($9,100): I just can’t seem to quit Rory McIlroy. I liked him going into the week, and I find myself looking to play him once again in a Round 2 Showdown. Rory has been a notoriously slow starter in major championships, and the 2021 Masters has been no different. If Rory stays on brand, he’s a good bet to go low tomorrow.
Mid-Tier Targets
Webb Simpson ($8,700): Webb was excellent in his first round from tee to green. On his front nine he missed a handful of short putts that would have vaulted him up the leaderboard. The trouble with the flat stick is surely an aberration as Webb is an excellent putter, and I trust him to get it right tomorrow. Webb is a high floor play that I feel really comfortable playing in Round 2.
Viktor Hovland ($8,600): After a disappointing triple bogey on his opening hole, Vik battled back to put together a really nice round coming in at +1 for the day. The resolve he showed is a testament to his excellent attitude and approach to the game. The sky is the limit for Hovland and is one of the highest ceiling plays on the board for a Round 2 Showdown.
Low-End Targets
Matt Wallace ($6,800): Wallace battled to card a +2 for his opening round. Although it was ugly at times, few golfers on TOUR are better equipped to play well in difficult conditions than the 30-year-old Englishman. I expect a solid round from Wallace tomorrow.
Cam Champ ($6,600): This week Cam Champ switched back to the driver shaft he was using last season (Project X HZRDUS Smoke), and it seemed to work out well for him in Round 1. He put together a solid even par round and handled the difficult conditions surprisingly well. If Champ has figured something out, he has the type of upside that could help win a showdown contest.
