Graeme McDowell backs 'rookie' to win US Masters this year

Northern Irish golfer Graeme McDowell has said that he believes that a 'rookie' can win this week's Masters for the first time since American legend Fuzzy Zoeller's shock victory on his Augusta debut in 1979.

First-timer Zoeller famously won the 1979 Masters but it has not happened since at a tournament, which usually ends with a big-name champion.

According to Sport24, with world No.1 Tiger Woods absent injured, the tournament is expected to be one of the most open for years and the former US Open winner believes that he would not be surprised to see some of the game's lesser lights stealing the limelight.

Hailing 24-year-old American Harris English, McDowell said that English might be one the 'rookies' who may win the tournament this year as he hits his irons very high, has a good short game and putter and have the 'necessary tools' to win at Augusta National.

McDowell further said that today's golfers are fearless, better athletes and are growing up in an era where they have watched Woods do almost impossible things with a golf ball, adding that the belief level globally now for a young professional is much better than it used to be.