The magnolias are in bloom, the days are getting longer, and The Masters is set to return to its regular scheduling—hints of normalcy come in all forms. And although it may seem like last week when Dustin Johnson earned his green jacket, golf’s most coveted blazer is once again up for grabs as the game’s best tee it up at the historic Augusta National Golf Club from April 8-11.
The Course
Andrew Redington/Getty ImagesOne of the most famous courses in all of golf, Augusta National hosts a par-72 layout tipping out at 7,768 yards. With four par-5s and four par-3s, the Alister MacKenzie design—with the help of Bobby Jones—is your quintessential golf course, demanding every component of a player’s game to be firing on all cylinders. Equipped with state-of-the-art sub-air systems to dry out the greens to preferred firmness, along with tightly mown fairways and green surrounds, the course typically plays firm and fast, something November’s weather didn’t permit, but conditions we’re likely to see this time around.
The Field
The decision-makers at Augusta National like to keep the field small and exclusive, meaning fewer than 100 players will receive their crisp invitation in the mail to compete on any given year. As it stands, 87 golfers have been “cordially invited” to tee it up in 2021, including several amateurs and past winners. Who among them is primed to capture the title? Will it be a name we all know, or one waiting to be made famous as it tops the leaderboard come Sunday night? There are a few favourites, and some dark horse picks worth noting, so let’s dive in and see who’s who.
Favorites
The world’s top-ranked player is always going to be a favourite at any golf tournament, especially one where he comes in as the defending champion. Dustin Johnson was a man on a mission last year and his game since has shown no signs of relenting. Expect to see DJ in contention late Sunday. Other favourites heading into the week include Justin Thomas, coming off his win at The Players Championship, as well as Jon Rahm, who has been inside the top-10 at Augusta all three times he’s played. And what about Rory? The Northern Irishman is struggling with his game as of late and is working with a new swing coach to rectify some wild misses off the tee. If Rory’s going to win and complete the career Grand Slam, he’ll need to find something in his game, and quick. That said, Augusta is a special place where the unexpected often prevails, so let’s not count him out just yet.
Dark Horses
Jordan Spieth! It’s not often a three-time major champion and past Masters champ goes into a tournament as a “dark horse pick,” but the young Texan’s was floundering but recently recorded some vintage performances and won the Valero Texas Open, suggesting to onlookers that the old Spieth may be new again. Another player worth taking a chance on in your Masters pool is Matt Jones. The Australian won the Honda Classic a few weeks back by five shots and played as close to flawless golf as one can expect from a human being. In fact, Jones was so satisfied with the state of his game leading into the tournament he texted someone he thought he was going to win before play even started. Confidence at The Masters is vital to playing well and it seems Jones has his at an all-time high.
Canadians at The Masters
Three Canadians are in the field this year: Mackenzie Hughes, Corey Conners and Mike Weir.
Hughes is playing in his second Masters. His first was in 2017 where he missed the cut after rounds of 79 and 80. The 30-year-old from Dundas, Ont., will look to improve on those performances and hopefully make it to the weekend where he’ll gain more invaluable experience. That said, it is hard to determine whether Hughes can be a force, though a recent solid performance at the World Golf Champions Match Play suggests he’s in good form.
Conners is making his third Masters start and second as a professional after a stellar top-10 finish in 2020. The 29-year-old is currently ranked No. 41 in the Official World Golf Rankings and has already notched five top-10s this season, including a solo third at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Known for his ball striking prowess, Conners game is well-suited to make a run at the jacket.
And of course, Mike Weir, the 2003 Masters Champion, will be back in action at the place he made history 18 years ago. Weir has played in every Masters since 2000, making the cut last year for the first time since 2014. Now playing on the Champions Tour, Weir’s career has gotten somewhat of a second wind after struggling with injuries. The pride of Brights Grove, Ont., looks to add to his Masters resumé with another made cut and more memorable moments.
LIMITED EDITION MAJOR THEMED ITEMS
In one of the many signs that life is returning to some semblance of normal, the tradition unlike any other is back to its regular early-season spot on the PGA schedule. To get you ready for the iconic tournament, we have a loads of Augusta-themed items to add to your collection and give you a feel for the green-jacket.
COBRA LE RADSPEED Major Drivers
What’s your favorite Major? Cobra golf is releasing limited edition themed around the 2021 venues.
Season Opener Driver
A colorway that is famously associated with the PGA Tour’s first major, the COBRA KING LE RADSPEED Season Opener Driver, featuring a bold action green colorway, inspired by the lush fairways, purest greens along with the iconic jacket synonymous with one of the first and most historic Major Championships of the year. Equipped with a premium Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green Small Batch shaft in an IP finish, and a custom black & green Lamkin Crossline CONNECT grip, this driver delivers Major Champion vibes.
KING MIM Wedge
In a nod to Amen Corner, Cobra’s latest limited edition KING MIM Wedge that is available November 6th online only, captures the magic of Augusta National Golf Club incorporating a floral pattern of Dogwood, Azalea and Golden Bell flowers imprints on its copper clubhead, denoting the names of the 11th, 12th and 13th holes, known collectively as Amen Corner laser-etched into the back of the head along with a classic green and yellow Lamkin grip. Cobra’s MIM King Wedge isn’t just another pretty face—it’s pure performance.
TaylorMade DJ Spider Limited Edition Putter
TaylorMade is taking the popular Spider Tour and adding some major flair to it. This limited-edition putter draws inspiration from Dustin Johnson’s 2020 major championship triumph. Subtle green accents on the sole and back badge are a nod to the iconic venue, while a specialty box adds a premium, springtime vibe.
TaylorMade Season Opener Staff Bag
The bag’s iconic colours are inspired by this annual event and the interior is lined with the iconic floral pattern that are so well known to this major Tournament.
Cobra Season Opener Stand Bag
The season opener Stand Bag is inspired by the iconic first major’s colours. The bag features an all-over green print with Cobra logos as well as all the necessary on-course features of a Tour Staff bag, including heavy-duty zippers, durable PU material and a single strap for easy carrying, but in a much lighter package – 60% lighter to be exact.
Nike Golf NRG
In an effort to reduce waste and help the environment Nike is releasing a recycled palette pack. Every shoe’s upper was revised to be 100% recycled canvas, rendering to a raw appearance and quality. Leading the assortment is a take on the Nike Air Max 90 G encompassing further recycled textiles include the lining of the tongue, collar and insole, made from 100% recycled knit fabric.
Dormie head covers
Dress up your big & flat sticks with a limited edition green and yellow premium head covers from Dormie. The Canadian brand is taking colorways from Augusta and bringing them to your golf bag.
TaylorMade Season Opener Head Covers
Celebrate everyone’s favourite major with TaylorMade’s new Major Edition line of Headcovers. Incorporating the iconic colors of this annual event, the interior is lined with the iconic floral pattern that is associated with this major Tournament.
4 Days of Giveaways
In keeping with the tradition, we will be running our four days of major giveaways starting on Thursday, April 8 until Sunday April 11. Keep an eye on our Instagram for amazing prizes.