For years I tried to predict the winner of the a Major. The Masters is one of the most challenging because if never seem to get it right. I have been close a few times and actually named a winner, but overall success is limited. Well, that does not discourage me from trying. Besides, if I am correct this year, imagine the bragging rights I will have….right? The 2024 Masters is starting soon and I thought I would drop my picks just before the Honorary Starters (Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson) hit the first ball.

The discussion about who is playing this year (PGA verses LIV) is a mute argument for me. There are 13 LIV golfers will join the field of 89 this year at Augusta National. this includes last years Masters Champion, Jon Rahm. The field is set, therefore I will use the entire field. I have not looked any of the betting sites that set the odds, I am going of gut feel and luck….much like all armchair experts. 😉

Before I delve into my predictions, I want to acknowledge the past champions who could, but are not playing this year. You will notice that Tiger’s name is absent. He is in the field and I hope me makes the cut to set the record of 24 consecutive made cuts. The list of past champions are:

• Tommy Aaron
• Angel Cabrera
• Charles Coody
• Ben Crenshaw
• Nick Faldo
• Raymond Floyd
• Trevor Immelman
• Bernhard Langer
• Sandy Lyle
• Larry Mize
• Jack Nicklaus
• Mark O’Meara
• Gary Player
• Craig Stadler
• Tom Watson
• Ian Woosnam
• Fuzzy Zoeller

Now to my predictions.

My Dark Horse this year will be my fellow Canadian Nick Taylor. “Nick Taylor is ranked 24th in the world after following up last year’s monumental Canadian Open victory by winning the Phoenix Open in February. But he’s short off the tee, which isn’t a great fit for Augusta, and this will be his first time playing a traditional Masters.” (CBC Sports) He is playing his best golf and sometimes that is all that is needed to step up on the big stage.

Runner up will be Brooks Koepka. He will either be in the running or miss the cut. He always plays big in the Majors and I do not see why this year will be any different. In his case, his play around the greens will determine his fate.

I think the winner of this year’s Masters will be: Xander Schauffele. I realize that with all the top players in the world (ranked and not) he might not seem like a wise choice. However, he is playing well this year. He is rising up the ranks of elite players and has demonstrated he is ready for a breakout Major. He has six to tens this year with a second at the Players Championship. If he can keep his ball off the tee in play, he will very tough to beat.

Well, this is it. As you can see I left many great names off my list for a plethora of reasons. The Masters starts in less than an hour, good luck to all!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!