Masters 2017: 5 contenders and favourites to watch for

#3 Hideki Matsuyama

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 23: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays a shot on the 2nd hole of his match during round two of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at the Austin Country Club on March 23, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Hideki has established himself as an elite player with his multiple wins this season on tour. He has seen his ranking rise to a career best 4^th in the world after his resounding win at the WGC-HSBC event in China by seven shots and his recent win at the Phoenix Open where he held off some big name players like Rickie Fowler.

He is the best player in the world yet to win a major and that could all change this week if he can convert some more of those endless birdie opportunities he seems to be setting himself up with.

The Japanese star also has an unofficial PGA Tour win at the Hero world Challenge and a couple of second place finishes to further bolster his chances at the year’s first major. The 25 year old could be hoisting his first major trophy come Sunday if his putter complies with the standard of the rest of his game.