Starting on Thursday the best players in the world will be playing at Augusta National. Last week the best Women’s Amateurs in the world took to Augusta. Rose Zhang, the world number 1, was able to hold on despite a tough last round. Rose was was tied with Jenny Bae through 17 holes after being up 6 starting the round. Rose was able to finish the job and beat Jenny in extra holes. Watching the Women’s Am reminded me of recent blow ups we have seen at Augusta. From Rory in 2011 to Jordan Spieth in 2016 Augusta continues to break hearts on Sundays.
The most interesting hole is number 12 (pictured above). Golden Bell, the shortest par 3 at Augusta National, plays around 155 yards on Sunday, but can require anything from a 6 iron to a 9 iron for most players depending on the wind. Due to swirling winds, it is often difficult to pinpoint the direction, leading to multiple shots in the water. In 2019 as Tiger Woods was closing in on his first Major title since 2008, his two closest opponents (Tony Finau and Francesco Molinari) both hit their tee shot into the water on 12. This opening propelled Tiger to a one stroke victory.
Like in 2019, I anticipate a tight race going into number 12. A smart player will be aiming left of the pin towards the middle of the green. A solid tee shot leading to a two putt par could be the difference to propel a player to the Master’s title.
Scottie Schefler is the large favorite (+700 odds) going into Augusta this week. Scottie has two recent wins at the Waste Management Open and The Players Championship. Scottie is the defending champion and looks as good this year as he did last year going into the tournament. Following Scottie is Rory Mcllory (+800 odds). Rory has had a solid, but inconsistent year in 2023. Rory had a T29 finish at the Genesis Invitational along with a T32 at the Phoenix Open. The last large tournament, The Players Championship, Rory missed the cut. Rory won the Dubai Championship and tied for 2nd at the Arnold Palmer Invite.
My overall favorite, along with the crowd, is Scottie to repeat as champion. His driver doesn’t miss and he has been making every clutch putt he needs to. My (easy) sleeper is Jordan Spieth (+1600). My simple reason for Jordan winning is because he has won on Easter the last two years! Jordan won the 2021 Valero Texas Open and in 2022 he won the RBC Heritage on Easter Sunday. This trend could be showing the fate of this year’s Master’s Champion.
