The most iconic event in golf returns to its spiritual home, Augusta National. The Masters isn’t just a tournament, it’s tradition, pressure, and history colliding on the sport’s most beautiful and unforgiving stage.
With lightning-fast greens, dramatic elevation changes, and danger lurking on every hole, Augusta demands precision, nerve, and world-class shot-making. Here’s a look at who we like ahead of Round 1 on Thursday (AEDT).
KEY STATS TO WATCH
- Par 5 Scoring
- Par 4 Birdie or Better
- Strokes Gained: Approach
- Greens in Regulation (GIR)
- Proximity to Hole
- Strokes Gained: Tee to Green
- Scrambling
- Bogey Avoidance
- Driving Distance
- Strokes Gained: Putting
- Putting Average
COURSE INSIGHT
Augusta National rewards aggression — but only when it’s controlled.
Distance off the tee is a weapon here, but this is ultimately a second-shot golf course. Elite iron play is non-negotiable, with players needing to hit the right sections of these notoriously slick greens.
Miss them, and you’re in serious trouble. Around-the-green skill becomes crucial, while putting — although still important — is often neutralised by the sheer difficulty of the surfaces.
Score well on the Par 5s, stay out of trouble, and you’re in the mix. It sounds simple — Augusta makes sure it’s anything but.
CORRELATED FORM
- Riviera Country Club (Genesis Invitational)
The 2023 Masters champion is trending back to his best.
After a dip following his LIV move, Rahm has rebuilt serious momentum over the past year. A recent win in Hong Kong signalled his return, and his consistency has been elite — five straight Top 5s and 14 Top 8 finishes from his last 18 starts.
He ticks every Masters box: proven at Augusta, dominant tee-to-green numbers, elite iron play, and strong recent form. Among the favourites, he stands out.
Matt Fitzpatrick looks seriously underpriced.
The 2022 US Open champ has been in top-tier form, winning the DP World Tour Championship and Valspar, alongside a runner-up at The Players and a Top 10 in Phoenix.
He’s reliable at Augusta with nine Top 40s in his last 10 starts, and his tee-to-green game has been elite. Ranking highly in both Par 4 and Par 5 scoring, he profiles perfectly for this test.
Few players are striking it better right now.
Morikawa leads the Tour in Strokes Gained: Approach this season and continues to dominate tee-to-green. He’s also proven at Augusta, with five straight Top 18 finishes including three Top 10s.
Recent form includes a win at Pebble Beach and strong finishes in elite fields. The only concern is fitness after a withdrawal at The Players — but if healthy, he’s a major threat at a big price.
SI WOO KIM
Still flying under the radar.
Kim has been one of the most consistent players globally, with 13 Top 25s in his last 16 starts. He ranks second on Tour in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green and has an excellent Augusta record with seven straight Top 40s.
A strong play in Top 10 and Top 20 markets.
KURT KITAYAMA
Trending nicely into this.
A runner-up finish at the Genesis has him peaking at the right time. Statistically, he fits Augusta perfectly — strong in GIR, scrambling, approach, and proximity.
Third trip to Augusta and looks well placed to improve. Solid Top 40 shout.
Australia’s best chance this year.
Lee’s power game suits Augusta, ranking second in Par 5 scoring, while his putting has been outstanding. If he brings his best, he’s the one to beat among the Aussies.
Hard to ignore his form.
Fresh off a win at Bay Hill and consistently finishing inside the Top 16, Bhatia is playing the best golf of any lefty in the field. Two starts at Augusta, two cuts made — and plenty of upside.
Fitzpatrick and Morikawa bring the value, while Sepp Straka’s tee-to-green strength (Top 15 on Tour) makes him a perfect inclusion to round out the multi.