A tradition – and tournament – unlike any other. For the 87th time, the Masters will return to the sacred grounds of Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Ahead of the action beginning on April 6, let’s highlight some of the key things to look out for this week:
Past Champions
Along with the green jacket and the fame and fortune it brings, a win at Augusta secures lifelong Masters eligibility. With a 46-year-old Jack Nicklaus taking home the 1986 Masters (his sixth), there’s always the possibility an aging legend can claim an unlikely victory. Of course, recent champions are also favourites to don the coveted green jacket once more. Including the six past champions playing on the LIV Golf Tour, there will be 19 former victors at the 2023 Masters. With a field ranging from Scottie Scheffler to Fred Couples, there’s no doubt the Masters is one of a kind. Could Phil dust off his game for one last shot at glory?
What to expect from Big Cat
The 2019 Masters was one to remember. The then 43-year old Tiger rose beyond both injury and controversy in an improbable victory. Since then, regrettably, even more has transpired. His life-threatening car crash following the 2021 Genesis Invitational left him with multiple leg fractures and a shattered ankle. While Tiger has played sparingly since recovering, he has been visibly feeling the effects of both the wreck and an infamously bad back. Simply making his way around Augusta National on foot from Thursday to Sunday will be a challenge. His last appearance was at this year’s Genesis Invitational, where he finished T45 at +2. He made the cut at the 2022 Masters, maintaining a legendary streak that dates back to 1996. Golf’s greatest of all time still has it in him, yet a victory at age 47, especially with his physical ailments and lack of tournament appearances, would be nothing short of remarkable.
Who is the true world #1?
While the PGA Tour Rankings may read one way, the unofficial title of best golfer in the world varies in opinion based on recency bias, historical bias and level of consistency. While it’s Scottie Scheffler’s title and number one ranking to defend at Augusta, former world number ones John Rahm and Rory McIlroy are both chomping at the bit, eager to reclaim that distinction.
With three wins in the first three months of 2023, Rahm has been red-hot. After a stomach bug forced him to pull out of PLAYERS competition, Scheffler captured victory and reclaimed the number one spot. While McIlroy has had an up-and-down season, he got the best of Scheffler last weekend, with a 2&1 victory in the consolation finals of the WGC-Dell Match Play Championship. Yet despite the best efforts of Rahm, McIlroy, and the rest on tour, Scheffler has reigned supreme with his victories at the WM Phoenix Open and the PLAYERS.
Enter the 2023 Masters. Augusta presents the truest test. If one of these three can conquer a hungry Masters field, a claim to the number one spot will be forthcoming. Will it be Scheffler defending his title and continuing to build on his resume? Or will it be Rahm, McIlroy, or another eager tour pro?
Tinkering with Augusta
Even the legendary Augusta National needs some TLC—and the powers that be at the club have tweaked several holes, including the 11th, and 18th. The par-5, 13th, aka “Azalea,” has been lengthened 35 yards ahead of the 2023 tournament. Formerly 510 yards, the hole, which features a signature dog leg left, will now play at 545 yards. Historically, one of the easier holes at Augusta National, the 13th will now force players to be more strategic. With the tee moved back 35 yards, an average-length drive won’t provide a favourable angle for going for the green in two. It will be of interest to note the impact this change may have on the 13th’s all-time scoring average of 4.77.
LIV Golfers Return
They’re back. In total, 18 LIV golfers will return to competition at Augusta. Among them will be past champions Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson and Carl Schwartzel. A few other names to watch closely – Cam Smith, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau. How do LIV players, who have played a limited number of events in recent months, stack up in competition? You’ll have to tune into Masters action to find out.