The Masters

The Masters is just around the corner, and to get you started, I’ve put together a player-by-player guide covering the top 25 players in the world, plus five additional notable names. I go on to break down each player’s chances based on their previous Masters records, their current form, game plans, and the key attributes they bring to Augusta. I’ve also given a brutally honest star rating on who I think has a real chance of winning this year.

The Masters is always the Major I look forward to most, with players returning to Augusta year after year to take on one of the most unique courses in the world. It’s a test like no other, and I can’t wait to see it all unfold. My main picks will be out soon, but this guide should give you a strong indication of where I see each player standing, based on my own personal view on this year’s event!

*This article was written before the conclusion of the Valero Texas Open*

Scottie Scheffler - World #1 - Best Price 6/1 (5 Star)

The 2022 and 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, has clearly separated himself as the world number one. At this point, Scottie Scheffler sits clear ahead of Rory McIlroy, who in turn is clear of the rest, and at around 6/1, this is actually one of the bigger prices we’ve seen Scottie for the Masters since last year.

He is the best tee to green player in the world by some margin, and that is the most important attribute at Augusta. While Rory may edge him in terms of pure ball striking at times, Scheffler’s consistency is unmatched. His proximity to the hole is exceptional, and since switching to a mallet putter, his putting has improved significantly.

What really sets him apart is how often he gives himself chances. His iron play creates more birdie opportunities than almost anyone else, and crucially, he does it week in, week out. That level of consistency is what makes him so dominant.

In golf, a 10% win rate is considered elite. Yet Scottie Scheffler has won 15 of his last 37 starts giving him a win rate above 40%. Nobody else comes anywhere near to that, and the 6/1 on offer looks rock solid. If you do decide to back Scheffler, I'd either back him only, or add just one other player so you don't lose much value. Whatever happens though, Scottie Scheffler is without doubt the most likely winner this year.

Rory McIlroy - World #2 - Best Price 10/1 (4 Star)

Rory McIlroy proved me wrong big time last year by finally winning the Masters at Augusta, and it would be foolish to dismiss him outright again. However, I’m still not fully convinced he will back it up this time around.

While he is undoubtedly one of, if not the, most talented player in the world, his game isn’t a perfect fit for Augusta on paper. That said, his sheer ability allows him to produce shots few others can, even if they are high-risk, high-reward plays that demand extreme precision.

Last year, everything aligned for him, although even then it wasn’t without drama, as he nearly let the tournament slip away and had to survive pressure from Justin Rose, who forced a playoff. There were also moments of brilliance, including a couple of extraordinary recovery shots from the trees, and several key escapes that kept his round alive.

He absolutely earned the win, but it did require a number of “everything goes right” moments along the way, especially on the back 9. The challenge with Rory at Augusta is that his preferred draw shape can leave little margin for error around this course.

When his control is sharp, as it was last year, he is more than capable of winning. But it does require him to be exceptionally precise throughout the week. It’s easy to look at last year and assume he will simply repeat the feat, but I’m not convinced it’s that straightforward.

Even after his win, it came off the back of an 11 year major drought, which underlines how difficult these moments can be to replicate. He may well win again, and at a double-figure price there is certainly an argument that he is fairly priced, absolutely. But despite his brilliance, I’m inclined to take him on this year, as Augusta often demands perfection more than any other venue.

Cameron Young - World #3 - Best Price 25/1 (3 Star)

Cam Young has always been a player full of potential, but for a while he was seen as something of a “nearly man”. However, after a long stretch of close calls, he finally broke his PGA Tour duck with victory at the Wyndham Championship last year, before going on to land his biggest title yet at the Players Championship this season, showing real control under pressure down the stretch.

He now looks a completely different player since getting that first win, and fully deserves his world ranking of number three. So what does that mean for his Masters chances?

Well, I’d still describe Cam Young as a classic boom-or-bust player. He has all the attributes you want, he hits it a mile, can shape the ball both ways, and isn’t afraid to play aggressively. In previous years, that aggressive style has sometimes cost him, and over the last four Masters he’s produced a tied 7th and tied 9th alongside two missed cuts, which sums up that volatility.

That said, he does feel like a more complete golfer this year, and if everything clicks he could easily be in the mix come Sunday. At around 25/1, he looks a fair price, and I wouldn't put anyone off backing Cam Young this year.

Tommy Fleetwood - World #4 - Best Price 25/1 (3 Star)

Tommy Fleetwood arrives at this year’s Masters having never missed a cut at Augusta in nine appearances, with a best finish of third place in 2024. That record alone highlights his consistency and his general comfort around this venue.

He is an excellent ball striker who may not be the perfect Augusta fit on paper, but he doesn’t look out of place here either. One of the key factors at Augusta is that even his slight misses tend not to be severely punished, which helps explain his outstanding cut making record at this course.

Fleetwood is more than capable of competing here, and another strong finish inside the top 20 looks well within reach. However, while he is consistently reliable at Augusta, it’s still difficult to see him going all the way and winning this particular event this season.

From an outright perspective, he may be better suited to other major venues, but at Augusta I would be cautious about his win chances, even if another solid week looks highly likely as world number 4.

Matt Fitzpatrick - World #5 - Best Price 22/1 (2 Star)

Considering Matt Fitzpatrick is world number five, I give him next to no chance here at Augusta. The course simply does not suit his game at all.

He lacks natural power which is so important around this golf course, especially on the Par 5's which set up so much better for the longer hitters. He has added length this past year, but he is still so far short of the likes of Rory and Bryson that it just puts him at such a huge disadvantage.

His Masters record probably tells you how the course effects him really, as he has a mixed bag of scores, and hasn't really been able to make an impact on the leaderboard. I'd give him a chance in all other three Majors, but at Augusta, he has such a big disadvantage behind too many players with the way this course plays out.

Important to mention he has carded a 67 as his best score, but backing that up with his gamestyle is mightily difficult. I find it hard to see him competing here. That green jacket doesn't fit Matty Fitzpatrick, and a top 10 finish at the very best is all I see for him, despite being in good form elsewhere.

Xander Schauffele - World #6 - Best Price 16/1 (4 Star)

Xander Schauffele arrives at this year’s Masters in excellent form, and that’s exactly what you’d expect from a player I’d call Mr Reliable. A two time major champion having won both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship, he already has the pedigree, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him complete the career Grand Slam at some point.

His Masters record speaks for itself. In his last seven appearances, he has finished inside the top 10 on five occasions, and it’s difficult to see him being far away again this year. More recently, he’s also produced finishes of T7, T3, and T4 in his last four starts, underlining just how consistently he delivers in the biggest events.

It’s hard to find weaknesses in his game. He is outstanding from tee to green, keeps mistakes to a minimum, and rarely posts a big number. He’s a relentless competitor with all the tools required for Augusta, and he looks to have a standout chance once again this week.

On form and profile, he ticks every box as a strong each way proposition.

Justin Rose - World #7 - Best Price 35/1 (5 Star)

Justin Rose has been nominated as my player to follow in the 2026 majors, and he’s one you can easily back in a number of markets for this year’s Masters. First of all though, it’s worth highlighting just how good Justin Rose is, because when his game is on, he’s still right up there with the very best in the world, hende his world ranking inside the top 10.

He’s been a top class ball striker for a long time now, and that level hasn’t disappeared. I’ve got a feeling his long professional career could be duly rewarded again this year, and he looks well worth backing across all of the majors this year.

For the Masters specifically, I tipped him ante-post at 50/1, and that price has shortened significantly since which comes as no surprise. His record at Augusta is seriously strong.

He’s finished inside the top 25 in eleven of his last fourteen starts here, which includes a tied second and two solo seconds. He’s been beaten in playoffs by Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, and that level of consistency around Augusta is no accident.

Experience is a huge asset on a course like this, where knowledge and patience matter more than most realise, and few in the field bring more of that than Rose. His tee-to-green control is ideal for Augusta, with his precise iron play and smart course management allowing him to handle these greens and tricky pin positions, and also what enabled him to shoot a 64, just one shot off the course record.

One final thing to note, is he’s held the first-round lead here five times (including ties), so he’s well worth considering in that market too. You could back Rose outright, for first-round leader, and for a top 10, and genuinely feel like you’ve got a solid chance with all three. He could be rewarded this year.

Collin Morikawa - World #8 - Best Price 40/1 (2 Star)

Unfortunately, Collin Morikawa is looking doubtful for the Masters after sustaining a back injury, and he has drifted to a price as big as 40/1. He is a two-time Major Champion, and was just finding his form too.

This does however put a big dent in his chances now, even if he were to lineup. The back injury is a big momentum killer, and I have seen no positive updates at the time of writing this. Would have interested me without the recent injury.

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Chris Gotterup - World #9 - Best Price 55/1 (2 Star)

Four-time PGA Tour winner Chris Gotterup is clearly a player on the rise as world number 9, but I wouldn’t be with him for the Masters this year.

Debutants have a very poor record at Augusta, which really puts me off, and it’s not hard to see why. Course knowledge is absolutely everything here. When you listen to players like Tiger, Rory, and Scheffler, they all talk about the subtle breaks, even in the fairways, and how Augusta is unlike anything they see week to week on Tour.

So it takes time to learn how to properly play the unnique test, and that’s a big reason why first-timers so rarely win. If this were a US Open or a PGA Championship, I’d be much more interested in Gotterup’s chances.

But at Augusta, his game doesn’t quite scream “perfect fit” just yet, and he’ll likely need a bit more time to polish a few areas before he’s ready to win a Green Jacket in my opinion. That said, his time will come, but I don't think it will be this year.

This classy debutant is one for the top 20 market instead.

Russell Henley - World #10 - Best Price 66/1 (2 Star)

It’s probably fair to say Russell Henley has overachieved at Augusta. Similar to Alex Noren, in the sense that his professional naure and ability to stick to his own game plan has helped him produce some strong finishes at the Masters without contnding for the win.

He doesn’t have a huge amount of length, and he tends to rely on a fairly consistent, one way shot shape, so on paper he is on the back foot at this course. But he’s extremely disciplined, doesn’t beat himself up, and always plays within his limits and always finishes events strong when others may be fading away.

Because of that, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him pop up lates inside the top 10 or 20, even if the course doesn’t naturally seem to suit his profile. He’s one of those players who just grinds his way around Augusta and makes the most of what he’s got.

He's hard to back in the outright market so he gets just two stars, but the top 10 and 20 markets could be worth a look for sure.

Robert Macintyre - World #11 - Best Price 40/1 (3 Star)

Bobby Mac is a world-class competitor and a future major champion in waiting, but Augusta may not be the most likely place for that breakthrough.

He certainly has the game to contend, with an excellent tee to green foundation that is good enough to push him into the top 10 on his day. However, until he sharpens his putting and becomes a little more ruthless in key moments, it’s difficult to see him going all the way here.

His record at Augusta has shown steady improvement, and after missing his first two cuts, he has made the weekend in each of his last four appearances, with his performances gradually trending in the right direction.

There is every chance he wins the Masters one day, but at present there are still a few key elements missing, particularly in and around the greens, that are likely to hold him back from actually 'winning' this specific test.

Expect to see his name on the leaderboard, but I don't think he will be in the top few names. I'd say he is a good shout for a top finish, but his game maybe has one or two holes in his game too many, for me to advise that this year.

Sepp Straka - World #12 - Best Price 70/1 (2 Star)

Sepp Straka is a really likeable player, and he will do plenty of winning on the PGA Tour, however as a Masters contender, he wouldn't be the most appealing suggestion.

He has made three of his four cuts here at Augusta, which is great, but he is yet to threaten in the deep end of this tournament and he probably just doesn't have the right credentials to suit the course.

He is very solid from tee to green, he is consistent when he gets into a good rhythm and he is generally a low drama style player. He just doesn't have that edge required around Augusta to win here in my opinion.

I like Straka a lot, but for betting purposes, I'd avoid him here at Augusta, and save him for other events this year.

JJ Spaun - World #13 - Best Price 125/1 (1 Star)

2025 US Open winner JJ Spaun arrives at Augusta in poor form this season and is hard to fancy for a few reasons.

His results this year were a clear concern before winning the Valero last week, with a best finish of tied 24th and four missed cuts already, and that raises real questions about where his game is at right now.

He’s played the Masters twice before, in 2022 and 2024, finishing T23 and T50 respectively, and on neither occasion did he ever really threaten the leaderboard. That lack of any real contention, combined with limited Augusta experience, doesn’t inspire much confidence.

His game also quite significantly doesn’t naturally look like a great fit for Augusta, and when you add in his current struggles, it only makes the task harder. I struggle to see him getting involved here this year, but we’ll come back to JJ Spaun in the other majors where conditions and course will suit him much better.

Hideki Matsuyama - World #14 - Best Price 40/1 (3 Star)

Hideki Matsuyama is always a player who demands respect heading into the Masters, and it’s easy to see why given both his pedigree and his proven record at Augusta. The 2021 champion has long been regarded as one of the best iron players in world golf, and that strength alone makes him a natural fit for this course.

Augusta is a second shot golf course, and few strike their irons as consistently as Matsuyama when he’s in rhythm. His ability to control distance and trajectory into these greens gives him a real edge to those that prefer to shape the ball into greens.

He also has a strong overall Masters record, with multiple top 10 finishes alongside his victory, showing that his success here is no fluke. He clearly feels comfortable on the course and understands how to navigate its challenges, again, showing that experience here is vital.

The question mark, as it so often is with Matsuyama, comes down to the putter. When he putts well, he can win, it's as simple as that. But when it goes cold, it can quickly hold him back, even if the rest of his game is in great shape.

Coming into this year, he looks solid without being spectacular. That said, Augusta is a place where comfort and experience count for a lot, and Matsuyama has both in abundance. He may not be the most fashionable pick this week, but he has more than enough class to get himself into contention again if the putter cooperates, and he is worth considering for a top 10 and 20 finish. Not sure it's his year to win, but you'd be naive to write him off!

Justin Thomas - World #15 - Best Price 80/1 (2 Star)

Given the level of talent Justin Thomas possesses, his Masters record is slightly underwhelming. He’s posted a couple of top 10 finishes here, but for a player with his all round ability, you would expect him to have come closer to seriously contending.

On paper, he has everything required to succeed at Augusta. He has plenty of length, a strong iron game, and is more than capable on the greens. He can also shape the ball both ways, which is a valuable asset on this course, and overall he would rank comfortably among the better course fits in the field.

However, in reality, he hasn’t quite translated that into results. At times, it feels like he tries to force the issue, pushing for that extra 10%, when his swing is actually at its best when he stays within himself and plays with a bit more control and rhythm.

There’s no doubt he has the tools to win at Augusta, but his approach and execution haven’t quite aligned over four rounds here. Until that changes, it’s difficult to be fully confident that he can put together the complete performance needed to contend for the Green Jacket, and the fact that bookies have the world number 15 at 80/1 suggests they think the same too.

Ben Griffin - World #16 - Best Price 200/1 (2 Star)

I am big on not backing newcomers at Augusta, but I have a sneaky suspicion that Ben Griffin could outplay his odds here at 200/1.

It's more hopeful than confident, but he is a class act on the course, and as long as he doesn't play himself out of the tournament early, he could hang about for a bit over the weekend too.

His game would tick plenty of boxes here, and the only negatives would be no experience here, and no experience on the greens at Augusta. That will probably turn out to be the downfall for him this year, but he would be the sneaky newcomer I would consider. A top 20 finish perhaps?

Jacob Bridgeman - World #17 - Best Price 90/1 (2 Star)

Jacob Bridgeman is a rising star in the world of golf and he picked up his first win this season by taking the Genesis Invitational this year.

He is certainly climbing the ranks fast, and I would give him a chance in a couple of Majors this year, but as a debutant here at Augusta, he doesn't interest me from a punting perspective. Wouldn't be my favourite debutant this year.

Ludvig Aberg - World #18 - Best Price 20/1 (4 Star)

Ludvig Aberg has to be right near the top of the list for this year’s Masters, with his game in excellent shape coming into Augusta. He arrives off the back of a strong run of form, finishing T3, T5 and T7 in his three most recent starts, highlighting just how consistent he has been from tee to green.

He has only played the Masters twice, but made an immediate impact on debut when he finished runner-up to Scottie Scheffler by four shots, offering a clear glimpse of his ceiling at this level. He is also one of the few players in the field with what looks like the “ideal” Augusta shot shape and trajectory, giving him a natural advantage around the more difficult courses.

Aberg’s ball striking is outstanding. His controlled shape keeps him out of trouble, and that ability to consistently find the right side of the fairway and greens is a major reason why he has already shown such strong results at Augusta. That positional play here is hugely undervalued.

The main question mark is often his putting, but Augusta is not simply about holing everything, it’s about pace control, avoiding three putts, and managing the greens effectively. History also shows that you don’t need to be a standout putter to win here, with players like Sergio Garcia proving that elite ball striking can carry you all the way.

With that in mind, Aberg looks a very live contender again this week, and having finished T2 and T7 here in his previous starts, he arrives with a genuine chance of being right in the mix on Sunday.

Alex Noren - World #19 - Best Price 200/1 (1 Star)

Alex Noren has produced some solid finishes at the Masters, including tied 12th in 2023 and tied 16th in 2024, but respectfully, that probably represents his ceiling here.

That’s not a criticism of him as a player either, it's more a reflection of what Augusta demands in the modern game. He’s a player who doesn’t have the same power as many of his rivals, and with driving distance becoming more and more important around Augusta, it only makes it harder for him to compete as the year's go by.

He’s another who comes into this week facing a natural disadvantage in a few key areas. That said, given his likely price, he could still appeal for a top 20 finish. His consistency and ability to grind out his own game have helped him return those solid results in recent years, and that’s probably the highest level he will be able to reach again this year.

Because also, realistically, he’s playing a very different course to the likes of Rory and Bryson over the four days, and that gap in firepower makes it difficult to see him going much further than that. Can play well, but next to no chance of actually winning here.

Akshay Bhatia - World #20 - Best Price 70/1 (2 Star)

Akshay Bhatia is far from a good course fit on paper for Augusta, and I wouldn't see him being a danger here at the Masters.

What I do think, is that there is a low round in him so I could see him scraping into the top 10 or top 20, but for win purposes, he has the wrong shot shape, and his game off the tee is very ropey.

Left handers need to be able to play the ball both ways for Augusta, and Akshay just doesn't, and he is far too one dimensional in my opinion. He has a fantastic short game and a lot of creativity, so he may look comfortable around the greens and send you into a false sense of securioty, but his game from tee to green just doesn't match this course, and he needs 'a lot' of things to go write for him over four days to contend here, He is only young so he will go close at somepoint, but his game on paper doesn't suit, so it's hard to back him ahead of other players.

A top finish market is the way to go if anything, and we will look at him at other Majors this year.

Harris English - World #21 - Best Price 125/1 (2 Star)

Harris English is a decent player and he has manouvered his way around Augusta quite well previously.

He is another that is showing that the experience counts for a lot as he has gradually progressed at Augusta with last year being his best finish in a tie for 12th. I could see that being reproduced for sure, but I am not sure he will be able to finish much higher than that. A top 20 finish contender, potentially a top 10.

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Viktor Hovland - World #22 - Best Price 55/1 (2 Star)

In a typical year, Viktor Hovland would look like an excellent fit for Augusta National. However, over the past 12 months, his game has dropped off 'significantly', making him difficult to back with any real confidence heading into this year’s Masters.

On most courses, you could argue that a player of his quality might suddenly find something and play himself into contention. But right now, his form is simply too far off, and nothing in the lead up to this event suggests a turnaround is imminent following aa missed cut at the Valspar.

It’s a real shame, because at his best, Hovland is one of the finest players in the world and more than capable of contending at Augusta. Unfortunately, based on what we’ve seen over the past year, he looks up against it this time around.

Patrick Reed - World #23 - Best Price 40/1 (3 Star)

Write Patrick Reed off at your own risk. The 2018 Masters champion is a relentless competitor, and if he’s anywhere near the lead on Sunday, he’s a player you have to take very seriously. Love him or hate him, his class is undeniable.

Earlier this year he returned to the DP World Tour and made an immediate impact, winning two events in quick succession. Year after year, he continues to produce solid golf, and his record at Augusta is particularly strong too.

He has finished inside the top 12 in six of his last eight Masters starts, including his victory, and he’s a player who feels no pressure, if anything, he thrives on it. While others may draw more attention with flashier profiles, Reed remains a proven big event performer who relishes this kind of test.

There’s a sense he may already have his Masters moment behind him, but he’s more than capable of getting himself into contention again. At around 40/1 he’s an appealing each way option, though a top 10 or even top 20 finish, depending on the price, could be the smarter angle. Do not underestimate Patrick Reed.

Bryson Dechambeau - World #24 - 10/1 (5 Star)

There’s no player on the planet in better form than Bryson DeChambeau right now in my eye, and it feels like only a matter of time before he’s slipping on a Green Jacket.

He comes into this having won his last two tournaments, and his game looks in outstanding shape. The length and accuracy he has off the tee are a huge asset around here, and we’ve already seen him use that to great effect over the past two years at Augusta, finishing tied sixth in 2024 and then solo fifth in 2025.

In previous seasons he never really got close to those kinds of finishes, but he’s a completely different player these days. If he were playing regularly on the PGA Tour, there’s little doubt he’d be inside the world’s top five.

He’s shown strong course form too, as first round leader in 2024, and he still held the lead with 16 holes to play last year when paired with Rory McIlroy, so it’s easy to see him right in the mix again.

The only slight concern over the last couple of years has maybe been his touch around the greens, but I'd expect that to improve again, as a player who plays a completely different game now, to what he did when he had poor results here.

He beat Jon Rahm in a playoff to win his latest event, and I don’t think there’s anyone arriving here with more confidence or in better form. I think he will learn plenty from his defeat to Rory, and this could well be Bryson’s year.

Min Woo Lee - World #25 - Best Price 50/1 (3 Star)

Min Woo Lee could be underestimated by the bookmakers this year at 50/1. He’s a world class player in his own right, a PGA Tour winner, and although he’s only had four starts at Augusta, he made an immediate impact with a tied 14th on debut and has gone on to make three of his four cuts in total, which is more than respectable.

He’s a bit like Cam Young in the sense that we’re seeing a different version of Min Woo Lee this year, much more complete. His elite ball striking and distance at least give him the opportunity to hang with the very best in the world, if he can tighten up his course management.

Good ball striking is especially valuable at Augusta because it allows for better distance control into these greens, which is absolutely crucial around here.

Given some of the players priced shorter than him in the market, I think Min Woo Lee is a live each way shout at 50/1 and arguably should be a touch shorter. He won't be too far away from my final squad.

Jon Rahm - World #29 - Best Price 12/1 (4 Star)

The 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm is one of the most natural fits for Augusta National, and his record fully supports that. In nine appearances, he has posted six top 10 finishes and has never missed the cut, which is an outstanding level of consistency at one of golf’s toughest and most unique tests.

Rahm possesses the perfect blend of power and control. While many players rely on a similar strategy, his precision and control allows him to be more effectively aggressive, picking the right moments to attack without exposing himself to big mistakes.

Although he was beaten in a playoff by Bryson DeChambeau at LIV Golf South Africa, that’s hardly a negative. Rahm continues to contend almost every time he tees it up on the LIV circuit. While the overall depth of the field may differ from other tours, his consistency is remarkable and he has finished outside the top 10 just once in 28 LIV starts, and even then it was only narrowly, with a tie for 11th.

He arrives at Augusta in excellent form, and it would be no surprise to see him firmly in the mix once again. His come from behind victory in 2023 is a reminder that he can strike at any point during the week, making him a constant threat from start to finish. Reliable across almost every market aside from the missed cut of course. Jon Rahm looks a rock solid option once again.

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Tyrell Hatton - World #31 - Best Price 85/1 (2 Star)

I’m a big fan of Tyrrell Hatton and had him backed ante-post for this event, but it’s fair to say my confidence has dipped quite a bit as the Masters approaches.

On paper, his game still ranks as one of the top five best course fits in the field. When he’s at his best, he is a perfect Augusta player, dynamite with his irons and has his driver on a string, which makes him a serious threat here.

However, his form on the LIV Tour this year has been very poor, and that level of performance is difficult to ignore. So much so that, if I hadn’t already backed him, I’d be struggling to get involved at this stage.

It’s unusual to see him struggle so consistently, and that makes his chances coming into the Masters a real concern. It’s frustrating given how well his profile suits Augusta, but right now his game is simply too far off to back with real confidence, even if it does pain me to say it!

Shane Lowry - World #32 - Best Price 66/1 (2 Star)

I would love to see Shane Lowry win a green jacket, but I just feel he doesn't quite have the required skill set to come out on top here.

His game at Augusta has sginificantly improved since his last missed cut in 2017 and he has finished as high as third, but everything needs to go write for him, and he needs a lot of the power houses to fall short to really bring him in contention, and that feels like a big ask to me.

He has the right shot shape, he has plenty of creativity around the greens, but I think despite his improved efforts here, his record tells you where his game is at in comparisson to what is required at Augusta. Maybe one for the top 20 market, but I jut don't see him winning the tournament.

Marco Penge - World #37 - Best Price 90/1 (1 Star)

Marco Penge makes his debut in this year’s Masters and although I think he has a very slim chance of competing, I am deeply intrigued to see how he gets on at Augusta.

He is all power, but has proven to have a strong short game too winning multiple events on the DP World Tour, and instantly looking comfortable out in America too. Probably has no chance, but I cannot wait to see what he can do around here first time up, as one of the most exciting players to watch.

Jordan Spieth - World #63 - Best Price 45/1 (2 Star)

A former Masters champion in his prime, but those peak days now feel well behind him. Between 2014 and 2016, he finished second, first, and second, and he’s added three more top five finishes since then.

However, he no longer looks like the same dominant player he once was. There doesn’t appear to be the same sharp edge or hunger to win, and while his form this year has been solid enough, I don’t see Jordan Spieth seriously contending at Augusta this time around.

He lacks the power of the modern elite players, and his short game, once his greatest weapon, doesn’t quite carry the same magic anymore. Ultimately, it would take a significant turnaround for him to lift the Green Jacket again this year, and I just don’t see how he beats this field.