US Masters 2023 Tips & Predictions

<p>As the world‘s top golfers make their way to Augusta to do battle for that fabled green jacket, we’ve decided to run the rule over the field and see which of the club-wielding elite are set to challenge for the 2023 US Masters title.</p> <p>Will last year's champion Scottie Scheffler defend his crown? Can our very own Cam Smith add the green jacket to his wardrobe? Or will Tiger roll back the years and shock everyone? Our US Masters 2023 tips and predictions are below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>US Masters Preview</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Few sporting events on the planet can rival the mystique and prestige of the US Masters.</p> <p>This year’s edition takes place from April 6th to April 9th and is played across 72 holes. The player who posts the lowest score across these 72 holes is crowned champion.</p> <p>There are a host of names who have a very real shot at claiming that coveted green jacket this year.</p> <p>First and foremost is reigning champ Scottie Scheffler, who currently shares favoritism with Rory McIlroy.</p> <p>Outside of these two, Spaniard Jon Rahm is the other player who has been heavily backed by punters.</p> <p>Elsewhere, former winner Hideki Matsyama presents good value at over 40.00 at time of writing.</p> <p>As do Aussie underdogs Cam Smith and Jason Day, with both sitting outside 20.00.</p> <p>Cam Smith in particular presents terrific value at 21.00, after his heavily publicized and criticized defection to the controversial LIV Golf, it’s easy to forget he is the current British Open champion.</p> <p>Names like Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson can never be overlooked and neither can the most recognizable name in the history of the sport – Tiger Woods</p> <p>Plagued by controversy and injury problems in recent times, Woods is a rank outsider for the tournament he has become synonymous with, but is anything more dangerous than a wounded tiger? We think not.</p> <p>For a closer look at some of these US Masters’ hopefuls keep reading below.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Masters 2023 Tips &amp; Predictions</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Scottie Scheffler</strong></em></p> <p>Reigning Masters’ champion Scottie Scheffler enters the 2023 edition as the outright favourite, just.</p> <p>Scheffler has been in imperious form on the green over the last 12 months, successfully defending his Phoenix Open title and then taking out the highly coveted Players Championship.</p> <p>He has maintained his number one ranking and will have many backers heading into the Masters.</p> <p>Backers be warned though, only three people have ever successfully defended their title at Augusta the following year, with the third and most recent being Tiger Woods in 2002.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Jon Rahm</strong></em></p> <p>Likely to be Scheffler’s biggest challenger is Spaniard John Rahm. The 28-year-old looks to be in fine touch so far this year and will be well in contention for the green jacket.</p> <p>The 28-year-old recorded four straight top 10 finishes at Augusta between 2018-2021. His 4th placed finish in 2018 remains his best showing at the Masters, but with the form he is showing at the moment, you’d expect a podium finish at the minimum this time out.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Rory McIlroy</strong></em></p> <p>The man many want to win the Masters actually has a pretty good shot this year. That man is Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy and after already booking two wins this year, the hype is beginning to swell around the 33-year-old.</p> <p>Why are so many people pulling for McIlroy to win the Masters? Simple. He’s never won it and if he does he will complete the fabled “Career Grand Slam” – winning all four major championships.</p> <p>McIlroy was a whisker away from the box set last year when he finished runner up to Scheffler and this year he and his many supporters will be hoping he can go one better and finally complete the mission.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Cameron Smith</strong></em></p> <p>Another pro worth getting around is homegrown hero and mullet-ed messiah Cam Smith.</p> <p>Since making the controversial choice to leave for LIV Golf and step away from the PGA Tour, Smith’s form has dropped off dramatically, casting doubts over his ability to compete in majors.</p> <p>He’s clearly been too busy checking out his bank balance to work on swing, but can you blame him?</p> <p>At the end of the day, the affable Aussie is still the current British Open champion and has a more than handy record at Augusta. Underestimate him at your own risk.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Under The Radar Options</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Jason Day</strong></em></p> <p>Another Aussie worth a look is Jason Day. The former world number one is finding form and has started turning in performances reminiscent of his peak.</p> <p>A near 30.00 outsider at the time of writing, as far as homegrown underdogs go, Jason Day is as good a shout as any.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Tiger Woods</strong></em></p> <p>It still feels strange to consider Tiger Woods an under the radar option. Being the highest profile golfer in the history of the sport, there is little to nothing under the radar about Tiger.</p> <p>Regardless, the five-time champion enters the 2023 Masters as a huge outsider, but never write off a legend.</p>