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The Masters 2018: Predictions, picks and sure bets

By Luke Norris

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 06: The flag blows in the breeze in front of a leaderboard on the 17th green during the first round of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 06: The flag blows in the breeze in front of a leaderboard on the 17th green during the first round of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 23: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 14th hole during the third round of the World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play at Austin Country Club on March 23, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 23: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 14th hole during the third round of the World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play at Austin Country Club on March 23, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

6. Hideki Matsuyama

Hideki Matsuyama is always a good pick at a major, even if he hasn’t won one yet. He’s going to get one at some point and he’s come close a couple of different times. However, he hasn’t played up to his normal standards in 2018 and it’s cost him a couple of spots in the world rankings but don’t count him out here. He’s got the game for any golf course and finished tied for 11th at The Masters a year ago.

7. Rory McIlroy

This is a popular pick right now and there’s a good reason for that. After a lengthy winless streak, the former world No. 1 found his game in Orlando at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and rolled to victory at Bay Hill with a brilliant final-round 64. He couldn’t miss a putt on Sunday afternoon and looked like a four-time major champion for the first time in a long time. This is yet another chance for him to lock up the career Grand Slam and he’s clicking on all cylinders heading into Augusta. That win boosted his confidence and got him back into the top 10 in the world rankings. Expect him to come out hot.

8. Rickie Fowler

Rickie Fowler didn’t quite have the week he was looking for in Houston but he’s still a big threat at The Masters. You figure he has to break through and get that first major at some point and after a win at the Hero World Challenge to close up 2017, he’s got three top-15 finishes in 2018 in seven starts. In his last four appearances at Augusta, he’s finished 12th or better on three occasions, including a T-5 in 2014. Green and orange would look pretty solid together, wouldn’t they?

9. Sergio Garcia

After years of close calls and disappointments, Sergio Garcia finally broke through and won his first major championship at The Masters a year ago in dramatic fashion. He’s had two victories since then and has finished in the top 10 in each of his last three outings. His game is sharp and he knows how to win at Augusta. It’s not easy to repeat, but he can’t be fully counted out of things.

10. Brooks Koepka

The reigning U.S. Open champ will unfortunately not be at Augusta due to a wrist injury that’s kept him out of action since January. It’s too bad as Koepka has become one of the most entertaining players to watch and had a solid T-11 finish a year ago.

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