The Masters: McIlroy can complete the Major set
- This year's US Masters will be the 87th edition of the tournament
- It is the first of this year's four Majors
- Recommended bets:
- Rory McIlroy to win @ 7/1
- Tony Finau to win @ 20/1
- Xander Schauffele to win @ 22/1
- Justin Rose to win @ 50/1
The first Major of 2023 is finally here and it is the one they all want to win, the US Masters, which takes place for the 87th time at iconic Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
Steeped in history and tradition, the annual battle for the Green Jacket is one of sport's great spectacles but come Sunday evening, there can only be one Masters winner.
However, finding the champion is no easy task, so it could pay to keep a few on side this week.
Everything points to magic McIlroy
One thing is missing from Rory McIlroy's trophy cabinet — the Green Jacket.
But this could be the week when the Northern Irishman puts it all together and finally conquers Augusta National to complete his career Grand Slam.
Five men have completed the modern-day career Slam, and while he has so far failed to do so in eight previous attempts at immortality, there is no doubt that McIlroy is in fine fettle on the eve of his ninth attempt.
A champion in Dubai to start the year, McIlroy has never arrived at Augusta with his irons in such stellar shape.
His long-game was purring at the WGC-Match Play on his last start, and he'll be licking his lips at the prospect of tackling a rain-softened layout.
While the Green Jacket has proved elusive, McIlroy's Masters form figures since 2014 read 8-4-10-7-5-21-5-MC-2, and he looks a rock-solid chance.
Long-driving Finau boasts all the tools
While Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm are expected to cause McIlroy the most problems, it is Tony Finau who could prove best of the rest at a track where he has enjoyed three top-10 finishes in five previous spins.
Once labelled a non-winner, Finau has laid those demons to rest by triumphing three times on the PGA Tour last year and the next step for the popular Utah man is to win a Major championship.
He has the ability to bully Augusta National with his driving power and his irons have been superb this season, ranking third in approach play on the PGA Tour.
Schauffele poised for another crack
Xander Schauffele has experience in competing for the Green Jacket come Sunday, finishing runner-up to Tiger Woods in 2019 and third behind Hideki Matusuyama in 2021, and he has every chance of contending again.
The Californian found top form last time out, playing superbly at the Match Play, only to be beaten by an inspired McIlroy despite carding seven birdies in their quarter-final contest.
He has long looked a Masters winner in-waiting and looks sure to compete once again.
Rose capable of realising Masters dream
Masters champions tend to be experienced campaigners.
No debutant has won here since 1979 and few can boast more Masters appearances than Justin Rose, who is capable of landing the Green Jacket at the 17th time of asking.
The Englishman, who was crowned champion at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February and sixth at the Players Championship last month, has enjoyed six Masters top-10 finishes, including a play-off loss to Sergio Garcia in 2017.
