The Masters 2015: Who can beat Rory McIlroy?

As far as the bookmakers are concerned, Rory McIlroy is the big favourite to be wearing the famous green jacket come Sunday evening.

However, there is a large and talented field that will be determined to ensure that the world number one's wait for a first Masters title goes into an eighth year.

Here, Sports Mole has picked out five men that we believe have the most realistic chance of thwarting McIlroy in Augusta.

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Age: 21
Previous Masters best: Tied 2nd (2014)
Grouped with: Henrik Stenson and Billy Horschel

The appearance of Tiger Woods will undoubtedly command much attention, but he will no longer be the box office attraction. That stage now belongs to McIlroy and Spieth, who even at the age of 21, appears to have it all.

The fearless putter is in fine form, having won one and finished second in his last three events. Dallas-born Spieth has also proven himself at Augusta following his joint runner-up finish on debut last year.

He said: "Having been so close last year and having a little experience and riding some momentum, I hope to put myself in contention and use what I've learned since last year.

"At last year's event, I certainly took a couple things out of it, as well as the positives that came from closing out a couple of tournaments at the end of the year and a few weeks ago."

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Age: 36
Previous Masters best: Winner (2012 and 2014)
Grouped with: Justin Rose and Gunn Yang

By his own admission, Watson was distracted by all the attention that he received as defending champion in 2013, so much so that he finished tied for a share of 50th place.

There is a feeling, though, that this time around the 36-year-old is better equipped mentally to deal with the pressure. In preparation for his quest to win a third Masters, Watson has finished in the top three in two of his last three outings.

He said: "The media attention and the atmosphere, even a year later, you're excited about your win. I didn't know what to expect.

"I was scared to death of the Champions Dinner in 2013 because you're getting to sit with great champions, young and old, and have dinner with them."

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Age: 27
Previous Masters best: Tied 2nd (2011)
Grouped with: Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler

For the likes of Day, Adam Scott's 2013 triumph broke down a barrier. Prior to that, no Australian had won The Masters in 77 years.

In truth, had he had better luck, Day could have got his hands on the green jacket in 2011 when he finished runner-up to Charl Schwartzel. Then, two years later, he blew a two-shot lead with only holes 16, 17 and 18 to play. Third time lucky? He'll be hoping so.

He said: "Everyone has different goals in life. Everyone has different things they want to try and achieve.

"We've been gearing my golf game ever since I was 12 [or] 13 to try and attack this golf tournament, building my game toward winning this tournament. Whatever I win after, that would be a bonus."

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Age: 30
Previous Masters best: Tied 13th (2013)
Grouped with: Adam Scott and Antonio Murdaca

Having worked to reform himself during his six-month absence from golf, new father Johnson has cut a much more mature figure in the days leading up to one of the sport's biggest events.

There are few on the circuit that can live with McIlroy off the tee, but Johnson is certainly one of them. He's never really previously been in contention at Augusta, but his victory at the WGC Championship last month will have done his confidence no harm.

He said: "It's going really well. I need to do some work with the putter and short game, but I feel like the swing is really good, and at Augusta, you've really got to hit quality iron shots, control your ball, control the distance.

"I like tough golf courses. So going into Augusta, it's just another tough course, and I feel like my game is definitely suited for there. It's always fit my eye really well, [but I] just haven't played it that great. But this year, I'm looking forward to it. I feel comfortable and I love it."

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Age: 36
Previous Masters best: Tied 8th (2014)
Grouped with: Tiger Woods and Jamie Donaldson

Walker is no doubt a firm believer in the old adage that good things come to those who wait. The 36-year-old did not play in all four Majors in one year until 2014, when he impressively recorded three top 10 finishes.

If his long game can match that of his famed ability on the greens, he will fancy his chances of improving on last year's finish of tied for eighth. His form going into August is good, having won the Texas Open by a four-shot margin from Spieth late last month.

He said: "Rory is going to be under a huge spotlight and that suits me fine."