Masters Preview 2024
A Drive Down Magnolia Lane - The Miami RedHawks Golf Team’s Take on The 2024 Masters
Augusta National is a place where time seemingly stands still. Maybe it is their “no phone rule” throughout the property, or the fact that all of the on-site concessions haven’t succumbed to inflation prices. Or maybe it is because of the memorable shots that flood our television with replays year after year. Whether it is Tiger’s chip-in on 16, or a Nicklaus 1 iron from the top of the 15th fairway, we are reminded each year by the roars that ricochet through the historic grounds.
This year should be no intermission from the fun, with World #1 Scottie Scheffler coming in with incredible form, with 4.5/1 odds to win his second green jacket. It will also be the first time this year that most of the golf world will see the likes of Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, and the rest of the LIV contingent in action.
Nonetheless, I am super excited! There is nothing quite like the anticipation for the first major of the year. With the azalea flowers complementing the dark green fairways and large magnolia trees, the serene sounds of Augusta National serve as the perfect backdrop to the best players in the world.
When reflecting on past winners of The Masters, and breaking down the potential winners for this year, I look to creativity, iron play, and mental strength.
All of the historic winners at Augusta have possessed these three qualities. It is also interesting to consider how much success left-handed players have had around the 18 holes. With this in mind, I look towards Brian Harmon, the reigning Open champion. A great iron player with an exquisite short game, I look to Harmon as a contender this year.
Another player I can see contending is Patrick Cantlay, and not just because he is my favorite player. Patrick has had success in the past here (he was leading for a little bit before Tiger pulled away in 2019) and is a master ball-striker. While he has struggled a little bit this year, don’t be fooled by his quiet demeanor. He wants this win badly.
Next, I urge you to look at Xander Schaffeule and Scottie Scheffler. As two of the hottest players in the world right now, I can see these two coming down the stretch Sunday, just as they did at The Players Championship. Xander has yet to win a major, and as a guy who draws the ball, tee shots at Augusta should suit his eye. As for Scottie, it would be unlikely for him not to be in the storyline come the back nine on Sunday. He is the best player we have seen since Prime Tiger, and I look for his stellar play to continue.
Now, enough of my thoughts. I asked several of my Miami RedHawk teammates to make their own predictions:
Egor Zotov: Russell Henley - “Finished T4 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, currently ranked 23rd in the world, the best in his life. I like the fact that he finished T4 at last year’s Masters. He is a menace with the putter. Around Augsuta, you need to be the best putter that week.”
Scott Bitar: Scottie Scheffler - When asked ‘why’, Scotty just provided the GOAT emoji. Nothing more to say. Although the UT Austin graduate has struggled mightily on the greens over the last calendar year, his switch to a Taylormade Spider has made a difference over the past month.
Morgan Blythe: Tyrrell Hatton - As one of the top English players in the world, Morgan is sticking with his fellow countryman. Hatton is a great iron player who has yet to perform amazingly in a major. No better place to break through than Augusta National.
Evan DiSanto: Xander Schaffeule - I like this pick a lot. Xander has failed to deliver in clutch as of late but the 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist knows how to win! His recent work with swing coach Chris Como seems to be paying off. C’mon, Xander!
Nate Vonderhaar: Hideki Matsuyama - The 2023 Masters Champ is at the top of Nate’s list. Matsuyama has played steadily, winning at Riviera earlier this year. Sources are saying he is flushing the ball. We will see first-hand if that is true come next week.
Michael Weber: Corey Conners - Michael is rooting for this fellow Canadian as he is a patented drawer of the golf ball. With a lot of holes moving right to left, Augusta should be a good course fit for Corey.
Come Sunday afternoon in Butler Cabin, the green jacket will be slipped on a worthy champion! A tradition unlike any other.
