Charl Schwartzel predicts this year’s Masters will come down to a tight finish on Sunday
South African Charl Schwartzel will be returning to lead the charge of South African contingent in the Masters this week. He is brimming with confidence to retain the title, which remains an unprecedented feat in itself.
Schwartzel’s meteoric rise to stardom fetched him laurels from all over the world and the 27-year-old relishes the moments right after his miraculous surge to the top on Sunday last year.
He said, “It has been pretty overwhelming. You know, my life basically changed overnight there. When I got back home, I didn't realize how big it was, how many people actually saw it. Wherever I went, people congratulated, and still do”.
Schwartzel’s closing birdies on the last four holes, eventually helped him land one of the most celebrated titles in the sport.
Since his victory at Augusta National, the South African has done amazingly well throughout the year.
Schwartzel has not won a title in the current season so far but is confident that his swing is poised at the right footings to help him overcome the sturdy field in the event.
He added, “I played last week. Obviously I missed the cut by a shot. But I wasn't too fazed because honestly my golf swing felt good. I knew if I could get my putting in place, I'm pretty much on track like I was last year”.
Schwartzel is well aware of the stiff challengers in the field this week and some even considers this year’s Masters as evenly balanced in every respect.
Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy will be returning to bag the elusive title which slipped past his firm grip on the final day.
Meanwhile, Woods is also in top form after his much-awaited victory at Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Also part of the field are the top-ranked Englishman Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, who are still in search of their first major title of their careers.
Schwartzel predicts that in the presence of such a strong field, the event is likely to come down to a tight finish and says that the player who pulls in the best back nine on the final day is likely to clinch the title.
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