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The Masters 2019: Preview and predictions

By Luke Norris

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 03: A Masters pin flag is displayed during a practice round prior to the start of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 3, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 03: A Masters pin flag is displayed during a practice round prior to the start of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 3, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 27: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays his second shot on the fifth hole in his match against Russell Knox of Scotland during the first round of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club on March 27, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 27: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays his second shot on the fifth hole in his match against Russell Knox of Scotland during the first round of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club on March 27, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

6. Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau already has one title at The Masters as the low amateur here in his debut three years ago when he tied for 21st and I’m sure he’d love to get his first major championship at Augusta as well. DeChambeau was ranked 62nd in the world following his T-38 finish here a year ago and has jumped up 56 spots in the world rankings since then, picking up five worldwide victories since then. He hasn’t played well as of late and often lets his emotions get the better of him, which is something that you just can’t do at The Masters.

7. Francesco Molinari

Francesco Molinari made history last year when he became the first Italian golfer to win a major championship and there’s nothing stopping him from winning another this week. He played some fantastic golf at the Match Play two weeks ago, finishing in third place, and can also bring some momentum from his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month. Molinari isn’t the biggest hitter in the game but as we’ve seen in the past from guys like Zach Johnson or Mike Weir, bigger isn’t always better at Augusta. Molinari plays smart, tactical golf and that could lead to great things come Sunday afternoon.

8. Jon Rahm

Jon Rahm closed out 2018 with a win at the Hero World Challenge and started his 2019 very nicely, finishing in the top 10 in each of his first five tournaments. He’s cooled off a little since then with just one top-10 finish in his last four starts but there was also a tie for 12th at The Players so it’s not as if he’s completely off his game. Rahm could be a real threat around Augusta, as evidenced by his solo fourth-place finish here a season ago. Had it not been for that opening-round 75, he could’ve been right there with Patrick Reed in the end. He shot 68-65-69 the last three days. If he can get off to a good start, watch out.

9. Rickie Fowler

Oh, Rickie. When is it going to happen for you? One of the best players in the world without a major championship, Rickie Fowler has come so close on so many occasions throughout the years to capturing that elusive major title. He’s finished in the top five of a major on eight occasions, including three runner-up finishes. The latest was one year ago right here at The Masters. Following a 70-72 start, Fowler shot a blistering 65 in the third round to get within five shots of leader Patrick Reed and nearly came all the way back with a final-round 67. Unfortunately for Fowler, he fell one shot short and settled for solo second. Could this finally be the year?

10. Xander Schauffele

25-year-old Xander Schauffele may not get as much press as some of the other young players in the game but he’s quietly snuck himself into the top 10 in the world. No, he didn’t have the greatest Masters debut a year ago, finishing tied for 50th, but he’s racked up a couple of wins since then and has performed quite well at the majors. He finished tied for sixth at the U.S. Open last year and was right in the thick of things at The Open Championship as well and tied for second. This kid can flat-out play.

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