This week marks the start of the 2024 Masters, where a crowded field of 89 players will compete at Augusta National to win the coveted Green Jacket.
Once the predicted thunderstorms pass over the course, Scottie Scheffler, the overwhelming favourite to win the competition, will try to lay down the gauntlet.
But there will be a number of other competitors vying for the top spot among the best golfers in the globe. After an emotional triumph a year ago, Jon Rahm is back to defend his title, and his LIV defection adds to the intrigue.
In an attempt to add the Masters to his glittering collection and end his ten-year quest to finally complete the Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy is also in the running.
Storyful.site examines the seven players to keep an eye on in this article.
1. Scottie Scheffler:
without a doubt the clear favourite this week. His tee-to-green game is so far better than the rest that he might be unbeatable if he keeps up his recent putter form. When it comes to the latter, his numbers are the finest golf has seen since Tiger Woods.
Of course, the most interesting part will be the putting. It was terrible for over a year, so you do worry that he might relapse on these slippery greens, but his move to a mallet has spurred an instant and concerning improvement.
Coming in hot and with no clear weakness, he has won two and finished second in his last three PGA Tour starts, all following the equipment adjustment.
Having won the green jacket here in 2022, he would be in a better position than most to overcome any uncertainties that may arise at the end of the competition. He also possesses the psychological stability to handle the pressure.
odds:
To Win -7-2
Top 5 finish-10-11
Top 10 finish-4-9
2.Jon Rahm:
The reigning champion, who returned to the mainstream after switching to LIV, is under doubt about his form after failing to place better than third in five appearances on his new circuit.
His matchup with Scheffler might be historic if he plays at his best, and he comes into this game confident and eager to make an impression. He is energised.
However, the question that remains is if he has improved his game enough on the LIV circuit. Returning to this level could feel a bit like submersion in an ice bath after training on resort courses with slower, kinder greens and much fewer spectators, but Rahm possesses the skill and intelligence to get past those obstacles.
Odds:
To Win-10-1
Top 5 finish-9-4
Top 10 finish-10-11
3.Rory Mcilroy:
Searching for the last missing piece in his career slam puzzle, albeit ten years after his fourth major victory.
His game has always seemed to be suited for this venue, and he has looked impressive in practise. His second-place finish last week, coming off some pretty poor results since his victory in Dubai in January, may also give him some encouragement.
His long-standing technical difficulties are mostly related to some quirky play with his short irons and wedges. But they did appear to get better after his visit with Butch Harmon two weeks earlier, as did his outlook on life, which is another important factor with McIlroy.
Overcoming those inner demons will be crucial, considering the scar tissue he has collected at Augusta.
Odds:
To Win-9-1
Top 5 finish-9-4
Top 10 finish-Evs
4.Brooks Koepka:
US PGA winner and the premier big-game hunter in golf. He will always play with a confidence, even though he admittedly choked while leading on the last day here a year ago.
In addition to finishing second twice, he has a strong record here. Despite missing two cuts throughout his years of injury and difficulty, his form has remained strong. He has the game to take advantage of the fact that he is partially aware of the course.
Nevertheless, he had a dismal showing on the LIV tour this year, placing 46th, 28th, 12th, 13th, and 7th. However, Koepka was a man who was more concerned with the big picture than the little details.
His demeanour is also, and maybe more importantly, a good fit for the course. A couple of weeks ago, he went on a reconnaissance tour and felt confident enough to hit driver on every hole that wasn't a par three. Though he obviously lacks experience on and around the greens, that confidence is worth a fortune on this course.
top of the LIV rankings following two victories this season, but Augusta National only extended this invitation to me. The 25-year-old, who placed 16th in this competition the previous year, is incredibly talented and driven.
His desire to compete in the major leagues was what ultimately led to his invitation; he travelled far and wide from Australia to Dubai in an attempt to gain ranking points away from LIV, where they receive none.
A spot in the field is his reward, and he has the opportunity to have an influence. His tie for 16th place here suggests that he is at least somewhat familiar with the course.
Based on the assessment of a previous world champion, Henley could be a good dark horse to place among the top ten.
Henley doesn't often come up in these discussions, but he has experience here, having placed fourth the previous year, and his style of play meets a crucial prerequisite for the course.
There would obviously be risk in any wager because the world No. 23 has only finished in fourth place twice in his last three PGA Tour appearances.
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