The Masters sports one of the most elite fields in golf, but only a handful of players will truly be in contention for the title.
We haven’t seen a true rank outsider take ownership of a green jacket since South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel swooped in to take advantage of Rory McIlroy’s 2011 implosion.
Here we look at how the Masters’ favorites shape up.
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki Matsuyama has made a fine start to 2023 capped with a Genesis Invitational win and studded by several top 20 finishes.
Matsuyama undoubtedly has a low round in him after he shot an incredible 62 at the Sentry.
There will be quite a few punters who have backed Matsuyama to repeat his 2021 Masters heroics and come up with a second Green Jacket.
Jordan Spieth
Jordan Spieth has been doing the kinds of things you would expect of him this season and remains one of the players to watch in any tournament.
Spieth is in the midst of another title drought, but he could just put things together at Augusta at last.
He has been playing consistent tournament golf which at least allows him some advantage over the LIV golfers at the very least.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele is another American hope coming into The Masters in fine fettle.
Schauffele is still chasing his first Major having suffered the heartache of being runner-up at both the Open and the Masters.
He might have had a title in the bag already this season had it not been for the incredible efforts of Scottie Scheffler.
Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka has the Major credentials to overcome his lack of tournament golf and the experience to notch a first Masters win.
He may be limited by his LIV golf status, but with five Majors won already he has the qualities to win big tournaments.
Koepka has twice come up just short at the Masters, including last season when he missed out to Jon Rahm and ended tied for second.
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm will play in his first Major since taking the LIV Golf payday and will be watched closely.
The format differences make LIV Golf poor preparation for a Major, but players from the circuit have already shown they can be competitive.
Rahm left the PGA Tour as one of its clear best players and The Masters will give us a look at where he is at after a few months away.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy has a lot of Masters heartache tugging at his subconscious and we truly don’t know how great that hold really is.
The ghosts of 2011 might be lurking in his thoughts but McIlroy should have plenty of chances to put them to bed.
McIlroy hasn’t had the ideal build up to The Masters, but he remains a serious contender.
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler has been made the Masters favorite with good reason as the world No.1 golfer.
Despite battling niggles through the 2024 campaign, to date Scheffler has looked every bit the best in the world.
His putting woes look to be behind him and Scheffler could be good for a second Masters and second Major.
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