Scottie Scheffler is your 2024 Masters Champion. As players moved into the back nine on Sunday, Scheffler did what Scheffler does best: play unflappable, calculated, and impressive golf. Scottie is as good as Tiger or Jack were in their prime when he was on.
As time progresses, Scottie Scheffler could become the next generational player in the game’s history.
Scheffler Dominates on The Final Day of the Masters
The competition was fierce, with contenders vying for the top spot. However, as is often the case when Sunday play transitions to the back nine at Augusta National, one man emerges as the frontrunner, and for the second time in his career, that man was Scottie.
As I penned in my Golf.com article early on Sunday, the potential victor needed to execute four strategic moves to don the Green Jacket: Master the Conditions, Manage Their Numbers and Pick Their Spots, Control Emotions, and Navigate the Par-5s and Avoid Disaster at Amen Corner. With his masterful play, Scottie flawlessly executed each of these keys, leading him to his second Green Jacket.
It was beautiful to watch as Scottie kept his head down and plotted his way around the golf course. His final round 68 was the second-best on the day, and while it seemed like a dominant performance, I think that Scheffler may have only had his B+ game…there is more in the tank for this superstar…so much more.
I have talked about several times over the week the chills that I often get at Augusta National, and that shot Scottie hit on nine Sunday may have been the winner in the goosebumps category. Watching on TV has its advantages, as you can see all the action, but feeling and being part of the roars at the Masters as a boots-on-the-ground patron is a feeling I wish for all game fans, if even for one day.
Tiger Woods Did Not Finish Last; He Finished as a Champion
Nothing infuriates me more than the keyboard warriors and Monday morning quarterbacks criticizing Tiger. The man made 24 straight cuts at this year’s Masters. The beaten and battered, almost 50-year-old man who first teed it up at Augusta National in the Masters three and a half decades ago, who has won 5 Green Jackets spanning from 1997 to 2019, must be celebrated, not hated.
The fact that Tiger finished the week and talked about his plans of playing the next three majors of 2024 after the round is and should be seen as an impressive feat for a man who nearly faced amputation just a few short years ago.
Tiger is the game’s ultimate needle mover; still, after nearly four decades of greatness. He deserves praise and admiration and not hate that often comes his way from the uneducated fan.
Oh, and talking about chills once again…seeing up close Charlie on the range helping pops was pretty damn cool.
In Your Life Have You Ever? Verne’s 40th and Final Call
As Tiger moved from the 16th green to the 17th tee on Sunday, he did what this new, softer version of Tiger Woods has done in recent years. He made it a point to seek out and congratulate the great Verne Lundquist and pay him homage on 40 years of making memorable calls at the Masters. Yessir! You have been an integral part of Masters lore and will never be forgotten, Verne.
Again, seeing that moment play out in person was special, very, very special.
It was a Special Week For Me
This year’s trip to Augusta National Golf Club for Drive, Chip & Putt, and The Masters was a big deal for me. Not just because it was the Masters and Augusta, but because I missed last year due to a very tough year with anxiety and depression issues. A year ago, the thought of driving 6 hours to Augusta and being at the tournament all week by myself seemed almost impossible.
Although I have been feeling much better this year, it was still a little scary to think about this trip…even though Augusta National is one of my favorite places on the planet. I proved to myself that I can overcome challenges because of this week, as I have many times in the past…anyone who has ever suffered from mental health issues like this can completely understand what I am talking about.
It was a major triumph for me this week… reconnecting with the game I love and that I make a living in and getting to write all week for GolfSpan.com and other top golf publications was exciting and special, too.
Scottie Continues To Lead on Saturday, Morikawa is Right Behind
The Masters never disappoints. While the storylines we may personally want to see play out often do not, there is never, ever a lack of drama and excitement.
Wind was still a factor in Saturday’s round, but nothing like it was on Friday.
However, Friday’s wind had a significant impact on the speed of the greens on Saturday. The greens at Augusta are known for being some of the trickiest in golf, but after eleven previous trips to the event this year, on Saturday, I was in awe of how treacherous they were playing.
Scottie Leads & Continues to be Scottie
It wasn’t the prettiest round of his career, but sometimes, it doesn’t have to be, especially in a major. Whenever Scottie had a hiccup, he could crawl back later in the round. He also showed much more emotion at points than he normally would. His eagle on 13 is one example of this, and with that, I once again had one of those “Masters chills” I love to experience. It is never lost on me how fortunate I am to be on the property of the Masters.
If Scheffler stays steady and returns from the inevitable mistake, the Green Jacket is his for the taking.
The Contenders Aren’t Far Behind
Although Scheffler is leading, several players are close enough to catch up. Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion, is only one stroke behind, thanks to his 3-under 69 on Saturday. Only one other player shot in the 60s on Saturday: Chris Kirk, who posted an impressive 68 earlier in the day. Morikawa came out hot from the gate with birdies on his first three holes.
Max Homa played as consistently as one could hope for, with 17 pars and only one bogey, keeping him in the mix on a very difficult day…but his round could have been much better. With missed birdie opportunities, primarily due to the slick greens, Homa could have easily been on top at day’s end. He is currently in third place, two strokes behind Scheffler.
Ludvig Åberg, a Masters rookie, is three strokes behind Scheffler. As much as I like this kid, my gut says that experience helps push eventual winners over the finish line at Augusta, so, with that said, Åberg looks primed to make noise in years to come. This year was a solid introduction for him to major championship golf.
Despite struggling on the second nine on Saturday, Bryson DeChambeau is still very much in the mix. He is trailing by four strokes, but his holed wedge from the fairway for a very unconventional birdie on 18 was a great way to end the day and carry over great vibes going into Sunday.
My Sunday Prediction
Sunday is looking to be a shootout among the leaders. With the week’s best weather on tap, winds laying down and temperatures soaring into the 80s, conditions could present ample scoring opportunities. But, of course, this is the Masters on Sunday, and anything, especially on the back nine, is possible.
My prediction: Scottie Scheffler will be slipping on his second green jacket.
Scheffler, DeChambeau & Homa Lead on Friday While Fighting Wind
There may be three tied on top at -6, including Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Max Homa, but the real winner was the wind. With gusts as high as 40 mph, the winds swirled and consistently blew in the 20 mph range.
While the wind will lay down a little on Saturday, it will still be blowing. Note to self: don’t wear a bucket hat again…I almost lost that sucker twice, and once onto the course while watching Tiger…that would have been a little embarrassing.
Being in the top 10 going into the weekend is crucial if you want to have a chance of slipping on the Green Jacket. According to Masters.com, 36 of the past 37 champions were in the top 10 going into the weekend. So, if history serves continues, only the following will have a shot this weekend:
Max Homa, Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, Nicolai Højgaard, Cameron Davis, Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, Matthieu Pavon, Cameron Young, Tommy Fleetwood, Danny Willett, Ryan Fox, Byeong Hun An and Cam Smith.
Tiger Woods Watch
Tiger Woods now officially holds the record for the most consecutive cuts made in the Masters, at a mind-boggling 24 straight. As a major fan of TW, I watched him for a good portion of his round again today. When you consider the conditions, Woods’s even-par second round, which was tied for the fourth-best score of the round, was spectacular. Incidentally, Masters and major championship rookie Ludvig Åberg had the low round on Friday with a 3 under par 69.
In typical Tiger fashion, after his round, he said, “I have a chance to win the golf tournament.”
He looked pretty good, considering all he has dealt with physically in recent years. His ball striking was very strong, and he rolled the putter fairly well, too. His second-round highlight was the chip-in birdie from just off the front of the par three sixth. The shot and the roar after it dropped gave me chills.
Amateur Makes the Cut & Some Big Names Miss It
Congrats to Neal Shipley for making it to the weekend as an amateur. Shipley is making his first Masters appearance through his runner-up finish at the 2023 U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills Country Club. Neal lost that event to Nick Dunlap. If you may not remember, Dunlap won as an amateur earlier this year at The American Express, marking the first time that happened on the PGA TOUR since Phil Mickelson in 1991. The amateur game is clearly strong in 2024!
Sadly, we say goodbye to some pre-tournament favorites, including Jordan Spieth, Sam Burns, Victor Hovland, and Brian Harman. Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, and Justin Thomas also notably missed the cut.
Summing Up The First Two Rounds
The weather woes expected on Thursday regarding rain and storms did not unfold as forecasted; however, the wind took center stage on Friday, making play brutally difficult.
It should surprise no one that Scottie Scheffler is tied at the top, but the same can’t be said about Bryson being there with him. The battle between Scheffler, Bryson, and Max Homa should be fun to watch.
Can Rory make a run, and maybe Tiger, too? We shall see. Keep an eye on Åberg, as he looks pretty damn strong for a kid with no major championship experience prior…he is ranked 9th in the world, however, so he is a very strong contender at only four back from the leaders.
DeChambeau & Scheffler Lead on Thursday Despite Poor Weather
Scottie Scheffler delivered on expectations at this year’s Masters with a bogey-free 66, thriving even under gusty conditions. His performance, highlighted by excellent ball striking and improved putting, included a standout birdie from a bunker shot on the par-3 12th.
The shot that stood out to me from Scottie was on the only hole I watched him play, the famed par 3 12th. After his tee shot wound up in the sand over the green, he holed his tricky downhill bunker shot for birdie. Scottie doing Scottie things…
As the day drew to a close, he found himself in second place, just one stroke behind clubhouse leader Bryson DeChambeau, who had scored 65.
DeChambeau, noticeably more relaxed than in previous years, took the lead with his calm and controlled play. If he can maintain this, he could be a lock to win this thing.
Defending champion Jon Rahm struggled on the back nine after a promising start, finishing with a 73, eight shots off the lead.
Rory McIlroy opened with a solid 71, navigating the tricky conditions well.
I watched fan favorite Tiger Woods for a good chunk of his round, which looked solid. He hit a controlled three-wood on his opening tee shot, splitting the fairway. He then hit a dart on his approach to set up a 15-foot birdie putt, which he holed.
Currently, 31 of the 89 players in the field are under par, with another 10 at even par, including Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Sergio Garcia, and Brian Harman.
For the 27 players yet to finish their first round, it will be an early start on Friday, with a quick turnaround to get their second round started.
Weather Delays Expected on Thursday
While official tee times are still set for 8:00 a.m. Eastern on Thursday morning, and Nicklaus, Player, and Watson are scheduled to hit the ceremonial first tee shots slightly before that, The Masters has confirmed that a weather delay is expected. Updates will be made by 5:00 a.m. Thursday.
The forecast for Augusta National on Thursday calls for a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms through midday. Wind gusts of 40-45 mph between 8 a.m. and noon are expected, creating the potential for dangerous conditions. Tee times are anticipated to be delayed, causing the first round to bleed into Friday.
The rest of the week looks to be much better weather.
As golf fans know, last year’s Masters was also heavily affected by weather, with the conclusion of the second round taking place on Saturday and on Sunday, both the conclusion of third-round play and the final round took place.
Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest Summary
Say it ain’t so, Rickie Fowler! Good for you on winning the Par 3 contest, but you know what that means: Kiss that green jacket goodbye this year! Who knows, maybe tricky Rickie can break the long-standing curse of the Par 3 contest winner never going on to win the Masters.
Check out the leaderboard for more.
The Par 3 Course Renovations
Last year, I missed the Masters, marking the first time I did not make the journey since my first visit in 2010, except for the COVID-19 years of 2020 and 2021.
What I was most looking forward to this year was seeing what was new and noteworthy with the renovations made to the Par 3 Course.
In true Masters style, the renovations were impeccable, practical, and profitable.
Rerouting holes 1-5 enhanced the patron viewing experience. I sat by the new first green and second tee, from which I could see the action on six holes.
Similar to how Bobby Jones utilized natural terrain to create seating areas on the “big course,” the Par 3-course renovations also applied this technique to develop ample sitting areas for patrons. Using the land to improve the spectator experience was the predecessor to modern-day “stadium golf.”
Adding small merchandise, a possession building, and new restrooms was great. There were also new, what I understood to be hospitality buildings on the course, all in the traditional southern charm of the other buildings on the property.
Tuesday’s Practices Were Insightful
As Tuesday rolls around, the atmosphere at Augusta National becomes charged with anticipation. While some players start to arrive on site on Sunday and Monday, the majority are there, already immersed in their preparations, by Tuesday.
One of the most exhilarating experiences at Augusta National is watching the players’ meticulous preparation at Augusta’s world-class practice facility.
It has become a ritual for me to position myself at the practice facility and marvel at the precision with which the best in the world hone their skills. They work in tandem with their coaches, utilizing cutting-edge technology like Trackman and employing various gadgets for their putting and short-game practice.
Not only is their prep work at the practice facilities worth noting but what they do during practice rounds is also a great indicator of what may unfold come tournament time.
As of Wednesday night, oddsmakers are still fully behind Scottie Scheffler, a firm 13-4 favorite. Rory McIlroy is next at 10-1, and Jon Rahm sits at 12-1. For all those dreamers like me, the GOAT, Tiger Woods, is going off at 100-1 odds to win.
Who To Watch At Masters 2024
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie looked strong on the range, course, and even in the lighthearted Par 3 contest. Let’s be honest: Nobody is hitting the ball any better now than Scheffler. However, his recent heater over the past few months was more about his turnaround with his putter.
What I found interesting was a routine he and his coach, renowned putting guru Phil Kenyon, were implementing. While most practice fine-tuning their technique or speed, Phil and Scottie went around the green and hit putts from various distances as though he were on the course.
It almost seemed they were picking putts to mimic what he would likely have on each hole during the tournament if he had struck it well into the greens on his approach.
If I were betting, I would say that the pair had data on his average proximity to the hole for each round pin location and were hitting putts from those distances.
Augusta National literally built its practice facilities to mimic what the players find on the course, so finding similar putts to what Scottie might have would not at all be a challenge.
If Scottie is being Scottie from tee to green and is putting with recent confidence, he is my hands-down favorite to slip on the Green Jacket.
Rory McIlroy
Rory needs to rid himself of that monkey on his back. The chase for the career Grand Slam has plagued him so much that when he comes into Augusta, it doesn’t matter how well he is playing because his mindset to get it done is in doubt.
He is seeking the right kind of help from Bob Rotella, Brad Faxon, and even Buth Harmon, but no matter what those great minds share with him, it all comes down to what Rory makes of this week between his ears.
From what little I personally saw of Rory prepping early this week, he looked good. He played well last week in Texas, so that is a plus.
However, one thing I did take note of was his absence from the Par 3 contest. I feel like the Par 3 contest is an opportunity for the players to have fun and be with family before the season’s first major. Rory always talks so lovingly about his daughter. I think following in the footsteps of many of his peers who bring their kiddos out to the Par 3 Contest would only serve him mentally and emotionally well before Thursday.
It’s hard to believe that it has been almost ten years since Rory’s last major win. Let’s hope that that drought ends soon.
Jon Rahm
The defending champion is making his first non-LIV start since ditching the PGA TOUR a few months ago. Unless you are a diehard LIV follower, which statistically is not a massive segment of the golf fan base, you may not know how Jon has been playing lately.
To be honest, I do not know what shape his game is in, but when watching him prep early this week at Augusta, he looks, sounds, and still acts like the Jon Rahm I remember.
The real factor for Rahm, much like the case with Rory, will be how well he handles the noise outside the ropes, whether from fans, which is highly unlikely at the Masters, or more importantly, and impactfully, the noise in his own head.
Will Zalatoris
After a nine-month hiatus due to back surgery, Will Zalatoris made a noticeable return, shaking off rust and climbing back to form with top finishes at The Genesis Invitational and The Arnold Palmer Invitational, despite recent stumbles at The PLAYERS and The Texas Children’s Houston Open.
Observing his preparation, Zalatoris shows promise but needs refinement to truly contend in majors.
Despite no major wins, his track record, including six top-10s and three runner-up finishes in his last nine major starts, positions him among elite players like Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele, making him a silent threat at Augusta.
Jordan Spieth
I’m not going to lie. I am a big Jordan Spieth guy so I will root for him this week.
Jordan Spieth may be a longshot at 20-1 odds currently, but with really good vibes for the most part at Augusta National, the 2015 Green Jacket winner and 13-time PGA TOUR winner has as good a chance as any of the top contenders to win again at Augusta.
After watching him this week as he prepped, I noticed he seemed relaxed and less fidgety than he sometimes gets. He seemed at peace with his game and his life. Remember what I was saying about the Par 3 Contest and Rory? Jordan looked happy, confident, and in control as he walked around the short course with his family.
Jordan is currently ranked high in some key stats on the PGA TOUR that will serve him well this week, including third in putting average, fifth in birdie average, eighth in total strokes gained, and 23rd in total driving.
Tiger, Tiger Woods Y’all
As Tiger looks to notch the record for consecutive cuts made at the Masters this week, he is hardly the favorite he once was. Father time has beaten him down, but he is not entirely out. Nobody believes that to be more true than the man himself.
However, even I, the ultimate Tiger believer, will not say out loud that he has a shot this week to contend. Of course, he didn’t in 2019, either…
I think he will cut and own that record. He looked too sharp this week as I watched him warm up to not to. He also looked healthier than he has in quite a while. There were very few signs of a limp as he made his way around Augusta National. I have a feeling, though, that, as he noted in his presser, it is now the aches and pains of his back, shoulders, and just that old man stuff that tends to catch up with us all.
Others to Watch
- Ludvig Aberg: One player who caught my eye was Ludvig Aberg. Ryder Cupper, 9th-ranked player in the world, is not at all a player you would think is making his major debut at the Masters, but he is. His ball-striking this week in practice was particularly impressive, and I believe he could be a strong contender this year.
- Brooks Koepka: LIV defect or not, he is Brooks Fricken Koepka, no need to say more.
- Golf’s Version of the Young Avengers: Viktor Hovland, Collin Morikawa, and Patrick Cantlay: These three young guns have proven to be contenders for the foreseeable future. If you see any of these guys creeping up the leaderboard on Sunday, you will never find yourself saying, “Oh, wow, where did he come from?”
- International Flare and Past Champs: Keep an eye on former Green Jacket winners Hideki Matsuyama and Sergio Garcia, as they could climb the leaderboard come Sunday. Shane Lowry, a former Open Championship winner, could also contend.
- Newbie’s To Watch: Two Masters rookies who I like and have no reservations about saying they could contend are Sahith Theegala and Akshay Bhatia. I really like these guys; they looked pretty sharp in warm-ups this week.
Monday At The Masters 2024
In 2010, I was fortunate enough to experience the Masters for the very first time. From the delicious, affordable food to the incredible merchandise, everything about the Masters remains an unforgettable experience for me.
This year, I spent most of my first day at ANGC during tournament week, checking off the must-see sites at the Masters: the main scoreboard, the complimentary picture in front of the clubhouse, Amen Corner, and the final stretch of 15, 16, 17, and 18.
As we move into Tuesday and Wednesday, my focus turns to watching the players on the field do their pre-tournament work. Of course, on Wednesday, you must make room for the traditional Masters Par 3 contest!
Tomorrow, I will share my Tuesday and Wednesday adventures at the 2024 Masters…stay tuned! For now, check out the highlights of last year’s Masters.
Sunday At The Masters 2024
An adventure at Augusta National always begins with the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals. This was my sixth time attending this inspiring event that set the tone for Masters Week.
Every April, the anticipation of attending the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals propels me on a 6-7-hour drive from Orlando to Augusta, a pilgrimage I make alone but filled with enthusiasm. This event not only marks the beginning of my Masters week but also symbolizes my lifelong commitment to golf, tracing back to when I first swung a club at five years old.
The Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals at Augusta National are profoundly special to me as a PGA Professional dedicated to enhancing golfers’ experiences. It presents young golfers with an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their skills on one of the most revered stages in golf, interact with their idols, and receive mentorship. Witnessing this event annually reaffirms my passion for nurturing the next generation of golfers.
As someone deeply involved in youth golf coaching and leadership, I couldn’t start this blog series without sharing my personal connection to Drive, Chip, and Putt.
One young lady who competed in the Girls 12-13 age group this year, Orlando area native Alyssa Sumulong, got her start in competition through my Little Linksters youth golf organization when she was only 4. To see her on this grand stage truly got me emotional. She is such a great kid with an amazing family.
You can learn more about Alyssa and her story from this past Sunday.
Here are more results from the Masters DCP:
- This year’s champs are nothing short of golfing prodigies, proudly hoisting their hardware. Winners span from the energized youngsters in the 7-9 division to the almost-adults in the 14-15 bracket.
- From Parker Tang tearing it up for the boys in Arizona to McKenna Nelson showing how it’s done for the girls in Wisconsin, these kids are seriously going places.
- And the moment when all the champs, like Texas Terry, who dominated the Boys 10-11, and Karis Reid, who aced the Girls 12-13, gathered for that trophy presentation? Pure golf gold.
- With shining talents like Fred Perpall, Fred S. Ridley, and John Lindert joining in, it was a photo op that screamed the future of golf. Watching these kids, each holding their trophies high on the 18th green, I have to say, it gets me every time. The future of golf looks brighter than a Masters Sunday, and I’m here for it.
Masters Tournament 2023: Highlights & Quick Takes
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Who Won the Masters in 2023? Congratulations to Jon Rahm!
In his first Masters win and second major win, Rahm was impressive down the stretch, not giving Brooks Koepka or anyone else a window of opportunity. Even with Phil’s late run by posting an early -8 in the clubhouse, Rahm remained calm and kept hitting fairways and greens relentlessly.
Who Won the Masters in 2022?
Scottie Scheffler powered to victory at Augusta National to claim his first green jacket and major title. The Texan finished on -10, with a 72-hole total of 278, to continue a fairytale year. His work was sufficient for a 3-shot victory over former world number 1 Rory McIlroy.
In 2023, Scottie shot his worst round ever (75) and had a disappointing showing.
Notable Moments from the Masters 2023
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- Phil Mickelson shot 65 and was the early clubhouse leader at 8 under until more than 2 hours later; he was bested by Rahm’s 12-under in the final group.
- We’ve just seen one of the most remarkable performances by an amateur this week in Sam Bennett. He is the only amateur to record a bogey-free first round since 1965 and only carded one in his second round. Although not the longest hitter, he proves that short game and course management are traits that will always prevail.
- LIV golfers performed relatively well, seeing as 3 of the top 5 were from there. I’m still not used to seeing those guys wearing LIV tour gear, but it seems they are keeping their games sharp, which probably doesn’t sit well with Rory, JT, and Bubba (who all missed the cut this week)
What’s The Easiest Hole At The Masters in 2023?
The 18 handicap hole this year at the Masters was the 2nd hole. Measuring 575 yards, it produced a scoring average of 4.6367. The weather was a factor as this hole played more difficult than in years past, as there were more than six double bogeys (or higher).
Interestingly, there were almost as many birdies as there were pars, with 120 to 121, while 8 eagles were celebrated.
What’s The Hardest Hole At The Masters in 2023?
The 5th hole posed a challenge in the 2023 Masters, proving to be the most difficult hole on the course. This hole saw no eagles all week; however, the pros managed 13 birdies, 170 pars, and 87 bogeys. It was also responsible for 8 double bogeys or worse.
What’s the Winners Purse At The Masters in 2023?
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Prize money for the 2023 Masters reached a record $18 million. The winner Jon Rahm walked away with $3.24 million. That is near equal to the total purse offered in 1997 when Tiger claimed his first Masters.
What’s the Lowest Putting Average at the Masters in 2023?
Putting stats were also led by a couple of LIV tour participants, with Patrick Reed and Cam Smith showing off their skills. Patrick had an average of just 1.51 putts per green in regulation and led the tournament in the fourth round with a staggering 1.33 putts per green. Jon Rahm was in the top 20 with an overall average of 1.60.
Who’s the Most Accurate Driver at the Masters in 2023?
Hitting fairways is a must if you want to succeed at Augusta however, that did not help Shane Lowery too much as he led the field with an 89.92% of fairways hit all week. Jon Rahm was fourth by hitting almost 86%, while Brooks Koepka was only hitting 76%.
Who Has The Best Greens In Regulation at the Masters in 2023?
Next to putting, this has to be the most important stat as it gives golfers the most chances at making birdie. Scottie Scheffler led the field this week by hitting over 76% of the 72 holes he played. Jon Rahm was close behind him with 72% of greens hit. This is thanks to his accurate driving all week as well.
What’s The Eagles Summary at the Masters in 2023?
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Of the 25 eagles made this year, eight were made on the par-5 second. Sam Burns eagled it two out of four days.
Here is a breakdown of the eagles scored:
| Hole | Total Eagles | |
| 2 | 8 | |
| 13 | 7 | |
| 15 | 5 |
Who Shot The Most Birdies At The Masters in 2023?
It may come as no surprise if you watched the final round that Phil Mickelson is a leader in the birdie count this year with 21. He was tied by Jordan Speith, and behind them was Jon Rahm with 19.
Who Shot The Most Par 3 Birdies At The Masters in 2023?
Making birdie on a par-3 is something special as it requires at least one amazing shot. This year Joaquin Niemann led the way with 6 by making at least one every round. Phil was right behind him with 5, and Jon Rahm was way down the list with only 2.
Who Shot The Most Par 4 Birdies At The Masters in 2023?
As to be expected, the long ball hitters dominated the par 4 birdie leaderboard. Cameron Young and Jordan Speith each had 9 throughout the week, with Jordan making 6 in the fourth round alone. Guess who was in second place in this category; Jon Rahm with 8.
Who Shot The Most Par 5 Birdies At The Masters in 2023?
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Surprisingly, a Masters rookie led the way in the most par 5 birdies. I’d say this was a successful outing for Sahith Theegala as he not only made the cut in his Masters Debut but was right there on Sunday afternoon, giving it all he’s got right to the very end. Ultimately, Rahm was just too solid, as he finished third in this category with 9 birdies throughout the week.
Who Has Best Sand Save Record At The Masters in 2023?
It’s hard to gauge this aspect because if a player was only in one bunker throughout the week and managed to get up and down, then their success rate is 100. Having said that, Harold Varner III found himself in eight bunkers and saved seven of them, which puts him atop my leaderboard for this year.
How Many Pars Were Made In The Masters 2023?
In 2023’s Masters Tournament, there were 3041 pars made throughout the 4-round tournament.
| YEAR | YARDS | TOTAL PAR | AVERAGE SCORE | EAGLES | BIRDIES | PARS | BOGEYS | DOUBLE BOGEYS + |
| 2023 | 7477 | 72 | 73.99 | 25 | 878 | 3041 | 940 | 126 |
A Brief Overview of Masters History
There is no captivating story here, only a logical explanation. Legendary golfer Bobby Jones and Investment Broker Clifford Roberts founded Augusta National in 1933. The two decided they needed an event for the golf course to make its mark on the world.
Roberts proposed that the pair call the event The Masters to symbolize the caliber of golfers who would appear at the event. However, Jones had no time for the poncey name, and instead, the tournament started life as the Augusta National Invitational. In 1939, it was decided to rebrand and label it the Masters.
Even today, the event is invitation-only and operates outside the PGA Tour, and only the best golfers on the planet crack a nod and get to be part of Masters history.
How Does The Masters Tournament Work?
When Is The Masters Golf Tournament?
The tournament is hosted every year in the first full week in April. For example, if the 1st of April falls on a Thursday, the Masters will likely commence on the 8th of April.
Only the 2020 Masters Tournament carried a different date because of the global pandemic. The tournament was moved to November, a rarity in its history.
Which Course Hosts The Masters?
The Masters is played at Augusta National every year. It’s an iconic course that every golfer will know. The lane driving up to the clubhouse is one of the most beautiful in the world, with Magnolia trees that are 160 years old. Then, each hole is named after a plant grown by the nursery that previously owned the property.
How Do You Qualify For The Masters Tournament?
There is no qualification for the Masters. You can only be invited. However, to be invited, you need to fall into one of the below categories:
- Past Masters Champion (Lifetime Exemption)
- Major Winners (Past 5-years)
- Players Champions (Past 3-Years)
- Current Olympic Gold Medalist
- Current U.S. Amateur Open Champion, and Runner Up
- Current British, Asia -Pacific, Latin American and U.S. Mid Amateur Champions
- Top 12 From Previous Masters
- Top 4 From Every Major (Previous Year)
- FedEx Cup Tour Championship Finalists (Previous Year)
- Top 50 OWGR Players
When Is the Par 3 Tournament at the Masters?
The par 3 tournament is a fun event held on Wednesday before the actual event tees off. During this tournament, you often see the players with their families. Holes range from 70 to 140-yards, and the course is located in the northeast of the property.
The Masters par 3 tournament in 2021 was canceled. As was the previous year, due to the pandemic restrictions.
What Is the Format at the Masters Golf Tournament?
The Masters is a strokeplay tournament. The field is cut after 36-holes, and the player with the lowest score after 72-holes wins the tournament.
How Are the Masters Golf Tournament Tee Times Structured?
On the first two days, players are grouped into 3-balls and tee off from the crack of dawn through to the late afternoon. Groups usually tee off every 11-minutes. After the field is cut, the players are grouped into 2-balls for the weekend.
Play on Saturday and Sunday usually begins in the late morning to early afternoon.
How Many Days Is The Masters Golf Tournament?
The actual tournament play last four days, from Thursday to Sunday. However, if you include the fanfare of the par 3 event and the practice rounds, it is a seven-day event.
Golfers who enter the tournament the week before the Masters generally arrive on Sunday evening or Monday morning. They typically play two practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday and then participate in the Par 3 contest on Wednesday.
You will also find some players arriving at Augusta early Fans are allowed to attend all three days before the official tournament commences.
What’s The Payout For The Masters Tournament?
2023 winner Jon Rahm made $3,240,000 for taking the green jacket. The total purse was $18 million. 2022 winner Scottie Scheffler banked $2.7-million for efforts. The total purse amounted to $15-million. Here is a list of the winners cheque and total purse for each year dating back to 2010:
| Year | Winners Purse | Total Purse |
| 2010 | $1,350,000 | $7,500,000 |
| 2011 | $1,440,000 | $8,000,000 |
| 2012 | $1,440,000 | $8,000,000 |
| 2013 | $1,440,000 | $8,000,000 |
| 2014 | $1,620,000 | $9,000,000 |
| 2015 | $1,800,000 | $10,000,000 |
| 2016 | $1,800,000 | $10,000,000 |
| 2017 | $1,980,000 | $11,000,000 |
| 2018 | $1,980,000 | $11,000,000 |
| 2019 | $2,070,000 | $11,500,000 |
| 2020 | $2,070,000 | $11,500,000 |
| 2021 | $2,070,000 | $11,500,000 |
| 2022 | $2,700,000 | $15,000,000 |
| 2023 | $3,240,000 | $18,000,000 |
Read More: Wondering how golfers get paid? Check out our in-depth article.
What Channel Is The Masters Tournament On?
If you are watching in the United States, you will find the Masters on CBS and ESPN. ESPN usually airs the first 2 rounds, while CBS is your channel of choice for the weekend. Fans in Canada can watch on TSN and in the UK on Sky Sports.
You can also watch the event from Masters.com with live streams of the:
- Masters on the Range
- Holes 4, 5, & 6
- Amen Corner
- Holes 15 & 16
- Featured Groups of Golfers
- Broadcast
How Can I Get Masters Tournament Tickets?
Legend has it that only the Super Bowl is harder to get tickets for than the Masters. It showcases elitism at its finest, but it is what makes the tournament prestigious.
You need a patron badge to enter, which can be acquired in an annual lottery. If you win a badge, you can hold onto it for $375 a year. Those that have my luck and cannot see themselves winning the lottery can acquire tickets through alternate methods.
For example, you can purchase through ticket brokers or vendors, who charge a fortune for a day’s pass and do not allow you to hold onto the badge.
Once you own a patron badge and pay the annual fee of $375, it is yours for good. However, when you die, only your widow can use it. If your other half has no desire for the badge or has passed on, it goes back into the pool for the next lottery.
Read more: How To Get Official Tickets To The Masters
What Color Jacket Do Masters Golf Tournament Winners Receive?
Masters Tournament winners receive the prestigious green jacket. The actual shade is a rye green color known as Pantone 342. Bobby Jones got the idea for the jacket from a dinner at Royal Liverpool. Club captains attending the dinner donned matching jackets to highlight their titles.
Have The Winners Always Received A Green Jacket?
In 1937, Jones suggested that the members at Augusta wear green jackets to distinguish them from visitors. It was not done to invoke classism but rather to identify which attendees needed guidance around the facilities.
New York-based Brooks Uniform Company was tasked with crafting the first jackets, which were a flop. The members found the material thick and unbreathable in warm conditions. The board immediately switched suppliers.
Little was known about the manufacturer until 1967, when Hamilton Tailoring Co took over. According to the PGA, the Cincinnati operation is still the exclusive tailor of the green jacket.
Only members had the honor of wearing the rye green between 1937 and 1948. The event was canceled from 1943 through 1945 due to World War 2. In 1949, the decision was made to hand the winner of the Masters a green jacket.
Which Golfer Received The First Green Jacket?
The late Sam Snead had the privilege of being the first to don the prestigious green jacket. However, jackets were issued to all past winners, dating back to the tournament’s inception in 1934.
Masters Tournament Statistics
Historical Masters Tournament Stats
| Year | Tournament Dates | Winner | Score | Winners Purse | Winner Total Pars |
| 2010 | April 8 – 11 | Phil Mickelson | 272 (-16) | $1,350,000 | 47 |
| 2011 | April 7 – 10 | Charl Schwartzel | 274 (-14) | $1,440,000 | 46 |
| 2012 | April 5 – 8 | Bubba Watson | 278 (-10) | $1,440,000 | 44 |
| 2013 | April 11 -14 | Adam Scott | 279 (-9) | $1,440,000 | 51 |
| 2014 | April 10 -13 | Bubba Watson | 280 (-8) | $1,620,000 | 45 |
| 2015 | April 9 – 12 | Jordan Spieth | 270 (-18) | $1,800,000 | 35 |
| 2016 | April 7 – 10 | Danny Willett | 283 (-5) | $1,800,000 | 51 |
| 2017 | April 6 – 9 | Sergio Garcia | 279 (-9) | $1,980,000 | 50 |
| 2018 | April 5 – 8 | Patrick Reed | 273 (-15) | $1,980,000 | 37 |
| 2019 | April 11 – 14 | Tiger Woods | 275 (-13) | $2,070,000 | 43 |
| 2020 | November 12 – 15 | Dustin Johnson | 268 (-20) | $2,070,000 | 46 |
| 2021 | April 8 – 11 | Hideki Matsuyama | 278 (-10) | $2,070,000 | 47 |
| 2022 | April 7 – 10 | Scottie Scheffler | 278 (-10) | $2,700,000 | 33 |
| 2023 | April 6 – 9 | Jon Rahm | 276 (-12) | $3,240,000 | 43 |
2024 Masters Tournament
Dates
Clear your calendar because the dates for the 2024 Masters are out. The 88th edition of the Masters takes place from April 11 – April 14, 2024. You can apply for tickets at the Masters official website.
Eligible Players
Jon Rahm will return to Augusta in April 2024, looking to become the fourth player to retain the green jacket. Other eligible players include past champions such as Hideki Matsuyama, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, and Phil Mickelson.
Masters Odds Pre-Tournament 2024
Rory Mcilroy was the pre-tournament favorite for 2024 but things have changed.
Masters Tournament 2022 Highlights
2022 Masters Tournament Dates
The 2022 Masters main event kicked off on Thursday, April 7, and ran until Sunday, April 10. The Par 3 tournament occurred on Wednesday, April 6, while the Champions Dinner went off on Tuesday, April 5.
Who Won the Masters in 2022?
Scottie Scheffler powered to victory at Augusta National to claim his first green jacket and major title. The Texan finished on -10, with a 72-hole total of 278, to continue a fairytale year. His work was sufficient for a 3-shot victory over former world number 1 Rory McIlroy.
I left Scottie out of my picks for this Masters because I felt that he couldn’t keep up his winning form. He proved me wrong, and now he has a green jacket, and I am eating humble pie.
Notable Moments from the Masters 2022
There were a couple of spectacular shots for the highlights reel in this edition of Masters. However, I will focus on a few standouts.
On Saturday, my compatriot, the South African Charl Schwartzel, holed out for an eagle 2 at 10.
Then, playing partners Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa, sunk their bunker shots at 18 to close out the week.
However, besides Scheffler’s antics and Tiger’s return to golf, this year’s top moment goes to Stewart Cink. The veteran used his experience to ride the slope on the 16th and aced the par 3.
Easiest Hole in Masters 2022
The stroke 18 in the Masters was the 2nd hole. Measuring 575-yards, it produced a scoring average of 4.5830. Only one double bogey was carded the entire week, but there were 20-bogeys.
Interestingly, there were as many birdies as there were pars, with 128, while 6-eagles were celebrated.
Hardest Hole in Masters 2022
The 11th hole proved a challenge in the 2022 Masters and the most difficult hole on the course. The stroke 1 saw no eagles all week. However, the pros managed 10 birdies, 155-pars, and 96-bogeys. It was also responsible for 22-double bogey’s or worse.
Winners Purse in Masters 2022
Prize money for the 2022 Masters reached a record $15-million, $3.5-million more than the previous highest. The winner Scottie Scheffler walked away with $2.7-million. That is equal to the total purse offered in 1997 when Tiger claimed his first Masters.
Lowest Putting Average in Masters 2022
Justin Thomas topped the rankings for the best putting average in the 2022 event. He averaged 1.49 putts per hole, which was good enough to beat Australia’s Min Woo Lee by 0.01. Will Zalatoris and Shane Lowry recorded an average of 1.51, while eventual winner Scheffler, returned 1.53 putts per hole.
Most Accurate Driver in Masters 2022
Four players tied for the title of the most accurate driver in 2022. Shane Lowry, Lucas Glover, Jason Kokrak, and Kevin Na hit 82.14% of fairways. Kevin Na deserves a mention for finding all 14-fairways in round 2.
Best Greens In Regulation in Masters 2022
Kevin Na hit 51 out of 72 greens in the four rounds, giving him an average of 70.83%. That was enough for the best record of the week, 1.4% better than second-place Cameron Champ. Na recorded 14 greens in regulation in the final round, taking his daily tally to 77.78%.
Eagles Summary in Masters 2022
Seventeen players recorded eagles in the 2022 Masters. None of them scored more than one during the week. Stewart Cink enjoyed the only ace for the week, while the 2nd hole produced the most eagles.
Here is a breakdown of the eagles scored:
| Par | Total Eagles | Hole With Most Eagles |
| 3 | 1 | 16th |
| 4 | 3 | 10th |
| 5 | 13 | 2nd |
Most Birdies in Masters 2022
Australian Cam Smith led the field with 22 birdies, beating out the champion Scheffler by one. Smith carded 8 birdies in round one and two on the second day. He scored a further 6 each on Saturday and Sunday.
Most Par 3 Birdies in Masters 2022
Another Australian who made waves at the 2022 Masters was Min Woo Lee. He tied for 15th and scored the most birdies on par 3’s in the field. His 6 birdies were 1 better than his compatriot Cam Smith.
Most Par 4 Birdies in Masters 2022
After a stellar 2021 performance, Will Zalatoris showed his class again, carding the most birdies on par 4’s. He birdied ten par 4 holes for the tournament. That was one more birdie than Justin Thomas, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson.
Most Par 5 Birdies in Masters 2022
This stat tells a story. Cam Smith and Scottie Scheffler tied for the most par 5 birdies in 2022, with nine. These two players were also the final pairing on Sunday, and had Smith not put his ball in the drink on 12, he would have been a close second in the standings.
Best Sand Save Record in Masters 2022
Sergio Garcia, Tommy Fleetwood, and Tom Hoge all returned a 100% sand save record. Fleetwood and Garcia finished 5 from 5 out of the bunker, while Hoge had 3 fewer attempts.
How Many Pars Were Made In The Masters 2022?
In 2022’s Masters Tournament, there were 3008 pars made throughout the 4 round tournament.
| YEAR | YARDS | TOTAL PAR | AVERAGE SCORE | EAGLES | BIRDIES | PARS | BOGEYS | DOUBLE BOGEYS |
| 2022 | 7510 | 72 | 73.9505 | 17 | 827 | 3008 | 1092 | 150 |
The Masters FAQs
What Is The Masters Known As?
The Masters is one of four annual majors in the world of golf. It is also known as the U.S Masters or the Masters Golf Tournament.
Do You Get A Green Jacket Every Time You Win The Masters?
You earn a green jacket the first time you win the Masters. Then, you wear the same green jacket on successive wins, within reason. Winning gives you the honor to wear the coat for the next year until the following edition tees off. However, if a player picks up a few pounds or hits a growth spurt, they receive another jacket.
When Did Augusta National Allow Black Members?
According to Bloomberg, 9-members of the exclusive Augusta National are African-American. The first African-American to join the club was Ron Townsend in 1990.
Has Anyone Won The Masters 2 Years In A Row?
Only three players have won the Masters 2 years in a row, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Nick Faldo. Nicklaus went back to back in 1965 and 66, while Faldo did it in 1989 and 1990. Tiger kept his green jacket in 2001 and 2002.
Are Masters Practice Rounds Televised?
There is limited coverage of practice rounds and the par 3 contest. However, you can find it on ESPN +.
Who Won The 2019 Masters Tournament?
Tiger Woods won the 2019 Masters Tournament to win the 15th major title of his career. After winning 14-majors in his first 46 outings, he had struggled to win one in his last 28-appearances. The victory left him three behind Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18-major victories.
Who Won The 2021 Masters Tournament?
Hideki Matsuyama won the 2021 Masters tournament, becoming the first Japanese and second Asian male to win a major. Matsuyama held off the challenge of rookie Will Zalatoris to finish -10 for the tournament, with a total score of 278.
Final Thoughts
Although the Masters Tournament is not a Championship like the other Majors, it is arguably the best event on the golf calendar. A thrilling 2024 tournament saw Jon Rahm win his second career major, while Phil Mickelson returned to the first page of the leaderboard in a while.
2024 promises to be another emphatic display of golf around the Bobby Jones masterpiece. Rahm will look to hold onto his green jacket while a host of talented up-and-comers look to earn their slice of major glory.
Read more: Wondering what the other major golf championships are? Check out our in-depth article.
Brendon is Class A PGA Professional and founded Little Linksters, LLC, and its nonprofit arm, the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development. He won 25+ prestigious industry honors, including the 2017 PGA National Youth Player Development Award. He graduated from the PGA of America Management Program and has a handicap index of 7.8.
He has played golf for over 40 years and currently plays twice a month at the Eagle Dunes Golf Club near Sorrento, Florida. He loves Srixon clubs and plays a ZX5 driver with Z 585 irons. He's written over 60 articles on GolfSpan and specializes in sharing tips to improve your golf game. You can connect with Brendon at LinkedIn, X, IG, FB, his website, or BrendonElliott@pga.com.
