Breaking down the top 10 (or 11) contenders at Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — A capsule look at 10 (or 11) leading contenders for the 86th Masters, to be played April 7-10 at Augusta National. Listed in predicted order of finish:

JUSTIN THOMAS

Age: 28.

Country: United States.

World ranking: 7.

Worldwide victories: 14.

Majors: PGA Championship (2017).

Best finish at the Masters: 4th.

Masters moment: Being part of a five-way tie for the lead after 36 holes in November 2020.

Notable: He has only five top-10 finishes in 24 majors as a pro.

Backspin: While he has gone more than a year without winning, Thomas has finished in the top 10 in six of his last nine starts and has put a strong emphasis on his driving. His only good week at the Masters was in the soft conditions of November 2020.

DUSTIN JOHNSON

Age: 37.

Country: United States.

World ranking: 8.

Worldwide victories: 25.

Majors: Masters (2020), U.S. Open (2016).

Best finish at the Masters: Won.

Masters moment: Being so emotional about winning in 2020 that he couldn’t speak.

Notable: He has not won on the PGA Tour since the Masters in 2020. His last victory was the Saudi International 14 months ago.

Backspin: Johnson has looked sharper lately, and he has said in recent weeks he is “trending.” Even when he briefly fell out of the top 10, he remains one of game’s dominant players.

JON RAHM

Age: 27.

Country: Spain.

World ranking: 2.

Worldwide victories: 13.

Majors: U.S. Open (2021).

Best finish at the Masters: 4th in 2018.

Masters moment: Opening with a 75 in 2018 and still giving himself a chance to win on Sunday until hitting into the water on the 15th hole.

Notable: South Africa and Spain currently are tied for having the most players win the Masters.

Backspin: He has been better than ever from tee-to-green this year without