Columnist Peter Benton: Duval’s the one to beat at Augusta

Peter Benton

Thursday, April 8, 1999 | 10:51 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears weekly.

The 65th Masters gets under way today at the famed Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. And just who will win this first major championship of the year is anybody's guess.

My line is as follows:

David Duval, 6-1: So far this young man has had an extraordinary year, and has already surpassed the PGA Tour record for money won in a season. There does not appear to be a flaw in his game. Oozing confidence and must be considered the favorite.

Tiger Woods, 8-1: This course appears to be made for his game, and if it has not been tricked up too much, he should be near the top at the conclusion of play. Won this tournament in 1997 by 12 strokes so is fully aware of what he is doing.

Nick Price, 10-1: Has won a British Open and two PGA Championships so has the ability and talent to add this crown to his resume. This would be a popular victory for a very popular fellow.

Ernie Els, 10-1: Two U.S. Open victories attest to this man's ability. Despite a 3-over 75 start in last year's Masters, rallied for a T16 finish. "Big Easy," as he is referred to on tour, would certainly not be a surprise victor here.

Davis Love III, 12-1: Although without a victory this season, this smooth swinger has been playing very well. Won 1997 PGA Championship for only major title and placed second in the '95 Masters, one stroke behind Ben Crenshaw.

Payne Stewart, 14-1: Two majors to his credit along with nine PGA Tour victories and seven international titles prove he can win anywhere and on any course. Won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year.

Jim Furyk, 15-1: Placed fourth here last year and must be considered among tour's most consistent players. Has yet to win a major but certainly has the ability.

Scott Hoch, 18-1: Perhaps the tour's most underrated player despite winning 14 tournaments worldwide. Best finish at Masters was a second place in '89; shared 16th spot last year with Calcavecchia, Els, Woosnam and McCarron.

Colin Montgomerie, 20-1: This much-maligned Brit has all the talent in the world but appears to get somewhat befuddled by fans over here. Once he breaks through with a victory in this country, look out.

Tom Lehman, 20-1: This true journeyman golfer has placed in the top five in all the majors. His lone win came in the '96 British Open, but trust me, he will win another.

John Huston, 22-1: Has not missed a cut at the Masters since first start back in 1990 when he tied for third. A streaky player who wields a fantastic putter.

Fred Couples, 25-1: Has not done too much so far this year, but his talent cannot be denied.

Mark O'Meara, 28-1: Last year's Player of the Year and winner of this event is off to a slow start. Doubt he will repeat.

Steve Elkington, 30-1: Talented Aussie, and his classic swing does not miss many cuts. A victory here would not be a surprise.

Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh and Greg Norman, 32-1: All very talented players with many victories.

Jesper Parnevik, Justin Leonard, Hal Sutton, Tom Watson, 35-1: Proven winners who undoubtedly have a chance.

Mark Calcavecchia, Stewart Cink, Bob Tway, Loren Roberts, Jose Maria Olazabal and Nick Faldo, 38-1: The field is absolutely full of world-class players who all have a shot at winning.