Just ahead of the Masters we grabbed a chat with European tour winner Scott Drummond to get his thoughts in the first major of 2017.
We spoke with Scott as news of Dustin Johnson’s injury was emerging and he feels that Johnson is unlikely to sacrifice his whole season to play in The Masters if he is not right.
“I think most guys would look at the bigger picture – even if it is The Masters, I would be surprised – if he is borderline – if he decides to play, just for the sake of the rest of the season. It is terrible timing,” he told TheGamblingTimes.com.
“When you get these sort of injuries, you have to take it hour by hour, and it might feel good on the range and then warming up might help, you just don’t know.
“And this is for four days, it is not like playing football or rugby where you can sometimes get through, but it will be a tough call – he will be thinking about his entire season.”
He admits that the likes of Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth will inevitably be getting a boost if Johnson does pull out.
“Nobody wants to see a competitor injured and if he is not in the field, clearly they will feel they will have more of a chance, considering what form he has been in.”
Speaking on the tournament, Scott is hoping for some European success this week.
“The top guys are looking very good and playing very well, but I really fancy Sergio Garcia to put in a good run and go well this week,” he said.
“There is also the chance of back-to-back British winners. Last year showed when Danny Willett won, as with any tournament, nothing is over until the last half is played, it shows that sometimes people can switch off on the back 9 – but the strength of the British contingent is really good and it would be a tremendous achievement if they could do that.
“Generally there is a surprise element at some point, either early on or someone can push on through the weekend – but the top guys in the rankings are looking very good indeed.
“Preparation is key but playing Augusta is clearly a bit different – and that is why we see many different ways to prepare.
“This event is hugely anticipated for everyone in the golf world it sets the scene for the whole season as there has been a big gap between the last major and now, so naturally everyone is looking forward to it.”