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The Masters 2023 – Comprehensive Preview

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for golf fans with the planet’s best players set to descend on Augusta National for the 2023 edition of the Masters. Damien Kayat previews.

Tiger Woods at Augusta National
EPA/ERIK S. LESSER

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for golf fans with the planet’s best players set to descend on Augusta National for the 2023 edition of the Masters. Damien Kayat previews.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

2023 US PGA Tour
US Masters
Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
6th-9th April

This is always the golfing event that gets me feeling most nostalgic. I think the classical music they play during the Masters coverage has a large part to play in it (you know the familiar, soothing tunes).

But that’s just part of it. For better or worse, the Masters has always been the Major most insistent on flaunting its tradition. Just look at the way the commentators refer to fans as ‘patrons’.

This event can feel like a comforting time capsule for those of us somewhat disillusioned with the frat-boy antics at TPC Scottsdale. That spirit of tradition faces an existential crisis this year, with members of the rebel LIV Golf league in action for the first time at Augusta.

The Saudi-backed venture- spearheaded by that snake oil salesman Greg Norman- flies in the face of established golfing tradition. There have been murmurings of potential awkwardness at this year’s Champions Dinner.

It could get quite spicy this week with Rory McIlroy playing with Brooks Koepka and Tiger Woods linking up with Phil Mickelson in the First-Round groups. 

The Masters

This event dates back to the early days of the Depression (it was originally known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament). Horton Smith won the inaugural staging of this event in 1936.

He- along with the other top finishers- had to wait for 17 members to come together and put up the winning purse. My, how times have changed.

But the players this week are not primarily motivated by cash (I’m sure some are). They all want to get their hands on that iconic Green Jacket- which is undoubtedly the most famous sartorial item in all of sport.

The LIV operators will be doubly motivated this week. This offers them the chance to receive precious world rankings points. With legal disputes still ongoing, these points could prove crucial in future Major Championship participation.

Another quirk of this event is that it’s the only Major to take place at the same venue every year: Augusta National.

Augusta National

Originally the brainchild of the legendary Bobby Jones, Augusta was founded by Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts. It was built on the site of an old nursery (hence the reason that every hole has a botanic moniker).

The course was designed by Jones and Alister Mackenzie. But I doubt whether Jones would even recognise his beloved Augusta if he were to see it now.

The old Bermuda greens have been completely replaced with Bentgrass. And the course has been lengthened and tightened considerably as the years have passed.

Tom Fazio oversaw a massive overhaul in 2002- where half the holes were lengthened and tightened. This is a long, intimidating tree-lined test that will test every facet of a player’s game.

But recent years seem to suggest that distance has become more important than accuracy around Augusta.

Putting at Augusta is almost a leveller. Everyone in the field is going to have their issues with these lightning-slick Bentgrass greens. So, I wouldn’t put too much stock in putting indexes.

I think the most crucial stats this week will be GIR and Scrambling (the traditional indicators of success around Augusta). Solid approach play is key here.

Players will need to negotiate the massively contoured greens and understand exactly where to land the ball. This will require surgical iron play.

Strong iron play will also mitigate the impact of these quick putting surfaces. Scrambling has always proved crucial at Augusta (it’s little wonder that Phil Mickelson has been so incredible around here).

There are massive runoff areas that often put players in precarious greenside positions. The champion here generally has to have every facet of his game working to some degree. That’s what makes Augusta such a masterpiece.

The Contenders

In reality, the presence of the LIV defectors is only the second biggest story at play this week. Tiger Woods will always be the number one attraction when he is in action.

His 2019 victory here was one of the most electrifying sporting moments over the last two decades. Could he possibly emulate that success this week? It’s going to be hard with the number of in-form players in action.

Defending champion and World No.1 Scottie Scheffler has been in exemplary form of late. He won at TPC Sawgrass, making him only the third man- after Nicklaus and Woods – to simultaneously hold the Masters and Players titles. Victory here will make him the first man since Tiger to successfully defend this iconic title.

Rory McIlroy has also looked impressive and will be making his annual tilt at a career Grand Slam. Jon Rahm has gone slightly quiet after a blistering start to the campaign. Can the burly Spaniard harness his volatile nature enough to tame this famed layout?

You also have to pay close attention to course specialists. Jordan Spieth has been in impressive form of late and will be desperate to finally add to that 2015 title.

Cameron Smith has come close at Augusta and may be the one to watch out of the LIV contingent. Will Zalatoris is almost tailor-made for this test while both Schauffele and Cantlay have contended here before.

There are just so many narratives at play this week. This could very well be the most anticipated- and important- Major Championship of the last decade. I personally can’t wait to get it started.

Past Winners

2022: Scottie Scheffler (-10)
2021: Hideki Matsuyama (-10)
2020: Dustin Johnson (-20)
2019: Tiger Woods (-13)
2018: Patrick Reed (-15)
2017: Sergio Garcia (-9)* playoff

To Win Outright:

Scottie Scheffler 7/1 | Rory McIlroy 7/1 | Jon Rahm 9/1 | Jordan Spieth 16/1 | Justin Thomas 20/1 | Cameron Smith 20/1

Value Bets

Xander Schauffele- To Win 25/1 | To Place 5/1

It’s surely just a matter of time until Xander Schauffele bags a Major title. He has been one of the most consistent players on tour in Major Championship golf: he has nine top-10 finishes since the start of 2017. The 29-year-old Californian is coming off a respectable quarterfinal run at the WGC Match-play. This was his fifth top-10 finish in ten starts this season. He is natural at Augusta, with 2nd and 3rd place finishes in five career starts around this famed course. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Schauffele donning the Green Jacket when we all depart Magnolia Lane on Sunday.

Tom Hoge- To Win 125/1 | To Place 25/1

This is looking like a great sleeper pick- especially in the place markets. Tom Hoge may only have one PGA Tour victory to his name. But there are some little indicators that he could be a surprise package this year. He made the cut and finished in a respectable 38th in his maiden start here. And he showcased his ability to perform in elite fields with a T3 at TPC Sawgrass just a few weeks back. Most importantly, Hoge is absolutely lethal from the fairway. He currently ranks as the number one player on tour for Strokes Gained: Approach. That is obviously a massive stat when you look at success around Augusta.

The Man to Beat- Collin Morikawa- To Win 22/1 | To Place 44/10

Look no further than Collin Morikawa for surgical iron players. On his day, the two-time Major Champion is arguably the best iron player in the world. And he has been knocking on the door this year. He started the year with a runner-up finish at the low-scoring Sentry Tournament of Champions. Since then he has picked up a 3rd place at Torrey Pines and a T6 at Riviera (which is often cited as an excellent corollary course to Augusta). He always tends to thrive on these shot-making layouts. He has been evolving at Augusta National and has improved with every visit, finishing T44 in 2020, T18 in 2021 and solo 5th last year.

Other Bets

Top Englishman- Tyrell Hatton- 3/1

Had it not been for disappointing outings at the WGC Match-play and Valero Texas Open, Tyrell Hatton would have definitely been the favourite to finish top of the English contingent this week. As it stands, Brookline conqueror Matthew Fitzpatrick leads that market. Still, Hatton’s form was exceptional leading into the WGC Match-play (four worldwide top 10’s in six starts prior to that). This included a runner-up finish at TPC Sawgrass. He has finished T18 here before and I think his game is trending in the right direction overall.

Top Asian- Sungjae Im- 2/1

This one looks like easy money. Sure, former Masters champ Hideki Matsuyama offers some stiff opposition. But I just love the heady combination of Im’s Augusta credentials and current form. He finished runner-up to DJ on debut in 2020. He missed the cut in 2021 but then led after round one in last year’s edition. A Sunday 75 saw him slip to a respectable 8th last year. He is remarkable with the irons and has picked up some strong results this year. He was T4 at Torrey Pines and picked up T6 finishes at TPC Scottsdale and TPC Sawgrass.

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