2026 MASTERS PREVIEW

Bobby Jones once famously said of Augusta National, “There isn’t a hole out here that can’t be birdied if you just think. But there isn’t one that can’t be double-bogeyed if you stop thinking”. 

In other words, Augusta doesn’t just reward great golf, it exposes a player’s weaknesses. 

So, what is required to navigate one’s way around perhaps the most revered golf course in the world? Here are several key areas…

• Off the tee: Being long is a given, but the ability to shape the ball the correct way is also an asset to provide the best angles for approach shots into the greens.
• Iron play: Augusta’s putting surfaces are large in area, but play small because of their firmness, speed, and slope. Controlling trajectory and spin playing into them are essential for optimum birdie (and eagle) looks.
• Scrambling: A full repertoire of short game shots along with a vast imagination are a must to contend. If you have an off week around the greens then pack your bags Friday night, because making the cut is almost impossible. 
• Green reading and lag putting: 3-putt avoidance is a key stat at Augusta. Leaving the ball below the hole certainly helps, but in order to navigate some of the most devilish greens in the world, an artistic approach is much better than a scientific one.
• Par-5’s: Year-in-year-out the four par 5’s are the easiest holes on the course. Quite simply, they must be taken advantage of.
• Course knowledge and patience: There’s a reason the last ‘first-time’ winner was almost 50 years ago (1979, Fuzzy Zoeller). No other venue requires more experience and patience.

Favourites…

Scottie Scheffler – The rightful favourite. He’s elite from tee-to-green and a proven winner at Augusta (2022 and 2024). Even though he’s been ‘angrier’ than usual on the course lately, he just had his second child, so should be more relaxed and (somewhat) refreshed.

Rory McIlroy – Now a Masters and Career Grand Slam champion, Rory will be freer than he’s ever been here. The back issues are behind him, and no longer will he have to answer the question, “When are you going to win around here?”

Jon Rahm – The 2023 champion has been tearing it up on LIV. One win, three runner ups and a fifth-place finish in five starts means he’s in form playing a venue he loves.

Bryson DeChambeau – Speaking of in-form, Bryson’s coming off back-to-back wins on LIV. My only concern is on the greens where he’s a scientist, not an artist.

Ludvig Åberg – A great driver of the ball combined with towering irons and a calm temperament, means the tall Swede is built for Augusta. He’s playing extremely good golf right now but is struggling to finish things off at the end of tournaments.

Xander Schauffele – With a third placing at The Players and T4 at Valspar, the X-man is made for the majors with no obvious weaknesses. I’ll be very surprised if he’s not on page one of the leaderboard come Sunday.

Matt Fitzpatrick – The Englishman blends precision with grit and after a runner up at The Players followed by a win in Tampa, he’s one of the hottest golfers in the world.  

Sentimental picks…

Justin Rose – A three-time runner up (two in playoff losses), he’s Augusta savvy and preparation-wise is going above and beyond this year to finally win that elusive Green Jacket.

Jordan Spieth – Yes, he already attends the Champions dinner each year, but it’s always fun when the Texan is in contention. It’s must-see TV and everyone would love to see him extricate his 12^th hole demons from 2016.

Tommy Fleetwood – Major-less to date, one of the nicest guys on tour almost deserves one. Augusta suits his game and he’s as patient as anyone on this course.

Min Woo Lee – An Aussie lean here (okay, I’m a little bias), but the young West Australian has all the physical tools to win this tournament one day. A mini driver for those right-to-left tee shots has been added and, given it’s his fifth Masters, there’s enough experience in the bag. It just depends on how much patience is in there too.

Other notables…

Patrick Reed – Always a controversial player, his pedigree (2018 champion) and form (two wins on the DPWT this year) cannot be overlooked.

Robert MacIntyre – From 2003 to 2014 six out of 12 wins were by left handers (Weir, Bubba x2, Mickelson x3). Given this lefty’s recent form (T2 Texas Open, 4^th at The Players) he’s one to watch.

Chris Gotterup – His first Masters so not a betting favourite, but with two wins already this year he probably doesn’t care what history says.

Harris English – With two runner ups in majors last year (PGA and Open), he’s no stranger to golf’s biggest stage. His game is elegant, stylish and seasoned… much like the course. 

The dark horse...

Corey Connors – The Masters has been the Canadian’s best major venue with four top tens in his last six visits. He’s been showing signs the last couple of events his game is trending. Perhaps the drive up Magnolia Lane will really light the fire.

My choice… 

Cameron Young – The recent Players Champion has two top tens in four visits, so the course is obviously a good fit. After watching him close it out at TPC Sawgrass a few weeks ago, he has the composure and nerve to deal with the toughest stretch in golf… the second nine holes on Sunday at the Masters.   

Whatever the outcome it’s my favourite week of the year to watch golf, and given I’m in Australia, it’s hello to late nights and early mornings!! 

Cheers, Nick