Golf: 2023 Masters Tournament - Big 3 Edition

[Dr John Carlson]

Time for the best week of the year - the 87th edition of the Masters, starting this Thursday, April 6.

The Masters

Weather Forecast

Who's in form? Let's consult the oracles:

The OWGR has a top 3 of Scheffler, Rory, and Rahm.
Data Golf has a top 3 of Scheffler, Rahm, and Rory.
bet365 has a top 3 of Scheffler/Rory and Rahm.

Clearly there is a consensus of 3 guys who've separated from the pack. What do we think the chances are that the winner comes from that group? 30%? Higher?

Apart from them, we've got Tiger playing. Phil will also be making a rare appearance. What do we think the chances are that Tiger outplays Phil? 90%? Higher?

Some other questions... who will contend from the LIV boys? Will the new and improved Max Homa log a top-30 finish at a major for only the 2nd time in his career? Will we see a Monday finish with all the rain in the forecast?

Click to read more...

 

[Our Lady Peace]

I have a hard time not picking Scheffler, and honestly I can't see myself choosing other than McIlroy and Rahm if it isn't Scottie. Schauffele if he hits fairways off the tee will be a big threat. Can you call Jason Day a sleeper? Man he's played some damn good golf this season - great to see him on the comeback.

Tiger will outplay Phil for sure.

From LIV Koepka could contend, assuming he's mentally up to it. Smith too, mainly because I'm deferring to course success for them.

Homa is my pick for a top 5 in at least one major this year. At Augusta? I'm not so sure.

Gonna be a great one!

 

[djbard99]

Can’t wait. Good Friday, oilers, EA PGA golf. Gonna be a great week!

 

[Sheppy]

Hosting a Masters party on Saturday, I'm going to be absolutely destroyed and I can't wait.

 

[Mr Rogers]

I like Scheffler or Rory right now, slight edge to Scotty. not super high on Rahm at the moment, he's not as hot as he was a couple months ago. Sam Burns is my 'sleeper' pick if you can even call him that.

 

[Say Hey Kid]

Cantlay, Homa, and Smith will all finish top 6. Tiger will not play 72 holes.

 

[DueDiligence]

Certainly like to see Rory complete his career grand slam.
And poor Adam Svensson having to play with Patrick Reed in the first 2 rounds. Rumour has it that Reed is so popular he played a practise round by himself.

 

[GKJ]

Kevin Na has withdrawn.

 

[red devil]

Kevin Na has withdrawn.

Mike Weir is playing the round by himself as it was just him and Na in the 1st group.

 

[PanthersPens62]

Tiger struggling with the putter. Not a good sign.

 

[devbouz12]

Tiger struggling with the putter. Not a good sign.

Seems to be putting safe. Not the ballsy Tiger we're used to.

 

[red devil]

 

[Dakota Sioux]

Hiovland having himself a round

 

[Sugi21]

Seems to be putting safe. Not the ballsy Tiger we're used to.

No he’s just in decline his skills aren’t what they used to be he’s almost 50 years old

 

[devbouz12]

No he’s just in decline his skills aren’t what they used to be he’s almost 50 years old

I’ve got Cam Smith for the green jacket

Of course he's declining, but never discount the Tiger factor. Besides, other legends have won majors at older ages.

I will admit the field may simply be too strong for him to overcome though. Lots of talent out there.

 

[Sugi21]

Of course he's declining, but never discount the Tiger factor. Besides, other legends have won majors at older ages.

I will admit the field may simply be too strong for him to overcome though. Lots of talent out there.

Yeah but those older legends who won didn’t have injury problems like Tiger has he’s already limping around now just can’t see his body holding up at 100% anymore for 72 holes especially at Augusta’s hilly terrain. Not to mention he can’t even play week after week now to stay competitive.

 

[PanthersPens62]

Birdies at 15 and 16 has Tiger back to +1.

 

[devbouz12]

Birdies at 15 and 16 has Tiger back to +1.

Also of note, Mickleson sitting at -2

 

[MMC]

 

[Dakota Sioux]

Hovland us your clubhouse leader at -7. Woods finished at +2

 

[MMC]

Bogey-free 68 for Sam Bennett, wow

 

[MMC]

 

[Dr John Carlson]

The leaderboard usually isn't as stacked as this after the first day. Exciting stuff.

All eyes on Brooks for me. I'd love to hop right back on the Big Brooks Bandwagon after a few years' break. We still haven't fully recovered, mentally, from when he talked shit on the rest of the players at the 2020 PGA only to gag on Sunday.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

Seems to be putting safe. Not the ballsy Tiger we're used to.

??

His proximity on approach shots was terrible today, drove it decently but he was no where close to the hole all day. He had maybe a couple good birdie looks all round.

The % of lot of his putts for birdie were like single digit make%. With a lot of those distances at Augusta, you’re trying to not 3putt

 

[Filthy Dangles]

Scheffler hit it so good, and had so many looks.