Local Golf Experts Weight in on the Masters

The 2018 Masters begins today at Augusta National with 87 of the best golfers vying for the coveted green jacket. This is the smallest field since 1997, reports cbssports.com.

We asked the pros at Westhaven Golf Club and the hosts of AtoZ Sports who their top three picks are, their favorite Masters memory, how they think Tiger Woods will fare and what they think of the famous pimento cheese sandwiches served at Augusta.

The Masters Picks

Chris Cauthen, PGA/Head Golf Professional

Top 3 picks to win Masters: Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, Justin Rose

Favorite Masters memory: 1986 Masters – Jack Nicklaus winning

Will Tiger Woods make the cut: Yes

Have you ever had the famous pimento cheese sandwich at the course: Yes

Ben Pellicani, PGA/Junior Golf Professional 

Top 3 picks to win Masters: Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, John Rahm
*Dark horse no one is talking about: Patrick Reed, his draw and love of showing up in big moments

Will Tiger Woods make the cut: He will and contend on Sunday. To win a tournament you have to get a little lucky and if his ball finds a few of those lucky bounces watch out. The roars echoing in the Georgia pines of a Tiger charge will be deafening.

Favorite Masters memory:  As a golf historian my favorite memory is the ‘86 masters. The Nicklaus putter raise with Vern Lundquist call of “Yes Sir” is the moment for me when I think of the Masters a tradition unlike any other.

Have you ever had the famous pimento cheese sandwich at the course: I have and it was fantastic

preston easly, westhaven golf clubPreston Easley, PGA/Assistant Golf Professional

Top 3 picks to win Masters:  Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth

Will Tiger Woods make the cut: Yes, Tiger will make the cut.

Favorite Masters memory: When Tiger chipped in on #16

Have you ever had the famous pimento cheese sandwich at the course: Yes, I have had the sandwich.

Stephen Mead, Assistant Golf Professional 

Top 3 picks to win Masters: Tiger Woods, Paul Casey, Rory Mcllroy

Favorite Masters memory: Tigers chip shot on 16 was one of the best golf shots ever played.

Will Tiger Woods make the cut: I believe he will and if he is around 3 back making the turn on Sunday, watch out because he is coming for the green jacket.

Have you ever had the famous pimento cheese sandwich at the course: I have not but I look forward to trying it some day.

A to Z Sports, L to R: Austin Stanley & Zach Bingham

Austin Stanley & Zach Bingham, AtoZ Sports

Top 3 picks to win Masters: Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy & Justin Thomas

Favorite Masters memory:
Bubba Watson hook shot in 2012 —Watch it here. 

Will Tiger Woods make the cut: Yes

Have you ever had the famous pimento cheese sandwich at the course: No