2024 US Masters - Tournament Preview
The 2024 US Masters is almost here and it feels like we all know this course like the back of our hand with its many iconic landmarks, Magnolia Lane, Amen Corner, The Eisenhower Tree, Rae’s Creek, Ike’s Pond, The Hogan, Nelson and Sarazen Bridges and of course the Butler's Cabin where the winner is escorted immediately after signing their card to be presented with the most famous jacket in world sport.
Augusta National is a true test of all facets of a players game. To be in contention players will require accuracy off the tee to give them a chance to get the ball to the right level on the green to help minimise 3 putts, given the severity of the undulation greens. There are quite a few risk-reward holes none more than the 2 back 9 par fives (13 & 15), mishit the approach and you’re swimming! Just ask Sergio who spun 5 off the green into the water to take a 13 back in 2018!
This year the par 5 13th has been lengthened by about 30 meters which now means players may not need to draw the ball around the tree line to set up their approach, it will mean that more players opt to lay up this year.
Date: 11-14 April, 2024
Course: Augusta National, Augusta, Georgia
Length: 6,899 meters
Par: 72
Greens: Bent
Defending Champion: Jon Rahm
Key Course Stats
- Par 4 Birdie or Better
- Scrambling
- GIR
- Strokes Gained: Approach
- Proximity
- Strokes Gained: Tee To Green
- Driving Distance
- Putting Average
- Strokes Gained: Putting
- Par 5 Performance
- Bogey Avoidance
Key Correlation Tournaments
- Genesis Invitational
Our Thoughts
Joaquin Niemann: There is a case to be made that Niemann is the second hottest golfer in the world right now. He won the Australian Open and two LIV events in his last nine starts, including shooting a 59 at Mayakoba. Tremendous ball striker who has a win at the only correlation course of note, Riviera.
Brooks Koepka: You can’t not be with the big dog here. Brooks is Mr Major. He has won five majors and since 2018 has four major wins and seven more Top 10s in 19 starts. He was runner-up here last year and chastised himself by not being aggressive enough. He will be right in the mix despite no LIV form to speak of.
Wyndham Clark: This is an astonishing price for the world No.4. He debuts at Augusta, which is a big red flag, but everything else lines up beautifully. He is long off the tee, is a great ball striker, he is an elite putter and scores as well as anyone on the Par 5s. Great play.
Patrick Reed: Won here in 2018 and has a great record here with three Top 10s since including a great fourth last year. A master around the greens, his short game always has him in the mix.
Corey Conners: Corey Conners is one of the best ball strikers in the world and while he may not have the fight to win it all, he is a great play to Top 10. He ranks 2nd in GIR, 6th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 10th in Par 5 Scoring. Not a lot of respect in the price.