Why Russell Knox faces an almighty task on debut

Scotland’s Russell Knox is one of 19 players – including the six amateurs – making their first start at The Masters this week.

But just how difficult is it to tackle Augusta National on your debut? Well, only three players in history have won upon seeing the course for the first time – Fuzzy Zoeller the last to do so way back in 1979 – with players, time and time again, alluding to being better prepared having had more of a taste for the track.

Read more -> Why this guy will be the Masters champ!

In fact, history suggests that on average, a Masters winner does so on their sixth start – with only 16 players managing a top ten on their debut in the past 16 editions of the tournament.

Top 10s on debut since 2000

2001

• Toshi Izawa – T4
• Chris DiMarco – T10

2002

• Adam Scott – T9

2003

• Jonathan Byrd – T8

2004

• Paul Casey – T6

2005

• Luke Donald – T3
• Mark Hensby – T5
• Rod Pampling – T5

2008

• Andres Romero – T8

2009

• John Merrick – T6

2011

• Jason Day – T2

2013

• Thorbjorn Olesen – T6

2014

• Jordan Spieth – T2
• Jonas Blixt – T2
• Kevin Stadler – T8
• Jimmy Walker – T8

Russell Knox :: How will he fare on debut?

After reading that, how do you think Russell Knox will do on his Masters debut? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.