It’s Masters time, the first Major in the golfing calendar and one of the most eagerly anticipated editions arguably ever with plenty of sub plots in a narrative that has everyone hooked (excuse the pun).
Here we countdown the our thoughts on who will triumph with a Top 10 in order of who could taste success around Augusta National Country Club this weekend.
10.) Tony Finau
The popular American remains one of the few that have yet to win a Major that is still talked about as a possible winner. Three wins in 2022 suggests he can contend and since he first played the Masters in 2018, he has never missed the cut and had had three Top-10 finishes. It maybe that the ducks need to align for him to get over the line but form and course set-up suggest it could happen.
9.) Brooks Koepka
Up until late 2022, there were probably many who thought we’d never see Brooks in contention ever again in Majors. Injury ravaged seasons and a move to LIV Golf with the narrative that his best days were behind him alluded to this. However, a late 2022 win in Jeddah and then last week’s win at Orlando, making him the only two-time winner on the LIV Tour, along with his assertion he is now healthy and in a good place, suggests he could be a contender. He knows how to get the job done, has contended at Augusta before and has a point to prove. Interesting watch!
8.) Colin Morikawa
The American has got over his 2021/22 slump and seems to be on an upward curve again and his 5th place showing last year along with making the cut each time he has played Augusta, shows he has the pedigree to win. A two-time Major Champion, he knows he can win but needs everything right in his game. Does he have that yet? Maybe not quite but could benefit if the weather plays its part as suggested and the favourites have an off week.
7.) Max Homa
The second of three on the list never to have won a Major Championship but probably only a matter of time before he makes that leap to the next step. Has consistently played well for the last 12 months now, maybe he is still fine tuning his game. Made the cut for the first time in 3 attempts last year but is a significantly better and consistent player than before and has the game to win.
6.) Dustin Johnson
Another that you just can’t count out of a Major despite many writing him off since his move to LIV Golf. All those that made the move will feel they have a point to prove and DJ has the stubbornness to go out there and contend. Had a stellar 2022 on the LIV Tour and has been consistent rather than spectacular in 2023. Glimpses last week that he is starting to come into form, if he’s around on the final afternoon and contending, he’s done it before, he can do it again.
5.) Patrick Cantley
The next cab off the rank in my opinion to become the next new Major Championship winner. Probably should have won it in 2019 but faded down the stretch when Tiger Woods won his 15th Major. His consistency is what keeps him in contention in tournaments and won’t be far away. Can he get the monkey off his back and win his first Major? Certainly one to consider for the punters amongst us.
4.) Rory McIlory
Why is Rory at number 4 on the list you might ask? Simply put, whilst he’s playing well, and has the form to do so, the pressure remains massive and its now 9 years since Rory McIlroy last had a Major triumph. Has the scar tissue been enough to stop him from winning the Grand Slam? No doubt he will win probably multiple Majors but we’re just not sure its this week, particularly with many of his contemporaries playing well too.
3.) Cameron Smith
Controversially above McIlroy but his liking for Augusta is there for all to see with three top-10s in the last three years. Another that seems to be written off by many of the golfing media due to his move to LIV but this Aussie is class and one of the best players of his era. If he had contended in 2023 on the LIV Tour more, he would arguably be at least Top-2 but he’s not had the best start this season, though signs were again there in the last round at Orlando this week. Think the LIV players will all want to prove a point!
2.) Jon Rahm
Gone off the boil at the wrong time some may say, others will believe he has fine-tuned his game to be ready at just the right time. He’s had four Top-10s in his last five years so clearly likes it around Augusta, has had a great 2023 up until the last few weeks but another man that is class personified and will win here and many other Majors over the next decade. Will he have more about him than maybe his American contemporaries if the weather turns? I won’t be surprised if he walks away in a Green Jacket on Sunday night.
1.) Scottie Scheffler
Standing in everyone’s way is the World Number One Scottie Scheffler. Last year’s champion and despite all the distractions that come with being reigning champion, there is probably no better person to join the small ranks of those that have won in consecutive years. Scottie is the next superstar and will win many more, his game matches up at Augusta and he seems to have this fearless personality. The man to beat no doubt, we could be seeing the start of the next dynasty in golf.
