Masters 2026: The Green Jacket's Next Owner
As the azaleas bloom and the Masters approaches, the golf world is abuzz with predictions and speculation. The Telegraph Sport's experts have weighed in, offering their insights and opinions on who will don the iconic green jacket this year. But amidst the predictions, a deeper question arises: what makes a Masters champion truly great?
The Contenders
Bryson DeChambeau: The American is in form, having won back-to-back on LIV. With his daft "Par is 67 for me around here" behind him, he's ready to pick up his third major. Personally, I think DeChambeau's polarizing nature makes him a strong contender. The Masters has a history of crowning controversial champions, and DeChambeau's recent wins and confidence make him a dark horse. However, I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
Rory McIlroy: After a gloriously theatrical victory last year, McIlroy can simply relax and let it happen again. In this mode, there's nobody to touch him. What makes this particularly fascinating is McIlroy's ability to handle pressure. His six straight threes in the third round last year showcased his mental fortitude. However, I'm concerned about his back issue, which could hinder his defense.
Justin Rose: Rose loves Augusta National, with three runner-up finishes and seven top 10s in his 20 Masters appearances. At 45, he's still playing great golf and is still top 10 in the world. What a story it would be if he could win after last year's heartbreak. In my opinion, Rose's experience and love for the course make him a strong contender.
** Tyrrell Hatton**: Hatton has the game to make a splash, but he finds this place frustrating. Last year seemed big for him at the majors, and he could have won the US Open. I think Hatton has the potential to be a breakout star, but I'm not convinced he'll be able to overcome his frustration.
Chris Gotterup: With his New Jersey swagger and brutal power off the tee, Gotterup is primed for a statement performance. He's crept quietly into the world top 10, and his third-place finish in last year's Open at Royal Portrush is a testament to his talent. However, I'm not sure if he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
Min Woo-Lee: Lee is not strictly a dark horse, but his recent performance is impressive. With only one top-10 finish in majors and missing the cut in his past three, I think Lee has the potential to be a surprise contender. His approach play needs to be tip-top at Augusta, and I'm curious to see if he can pull it off.
Patrick Reed: After stepping away from LIV, Reed has rediscovered strong form. With a point to prove ahead of his PGA Tour return in August, Reed is dangerously motivated. His recent record around Augusta is impressive, and I think he has the potential to be a breakout star. However, I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
The Dark Horse
Marco Penge: Penge is a massive hitter of the ball and is not afraid to be in contention. Last year's DP World Tour player of the year, Penge has begun to show glimpses of his potential. I think he has the potential to be a dark horse, but I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
The Breakout Star
Nicolai Hojgaard: Hojgaard is a quiet but metronomic player with a perfect combination of skills to succeed. His driving ferocity and long-iron play make him a strong contender. I think Hojgaard has the potential to be a breakout star, but I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
The Big Name Misses the Cut
Brooks Koepka: Koepka has yet to find his feet since defecting from LIV back to the PGA Tour. I think he'll struggle at Augusta and may crash out early. However, I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
Justin Thomas: Thomas is still coming back from surgery on a herniated disc. I think he'll struggle at Augusta and may miss the cut. However, I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
Collin Morikawa: Morikawa had to pull out of the Players Championship last month with back spasms. I think he'll struggle at Augusta and may miss the cut. However, I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
Patrick Cantlay: Cantlay has endured a subdued start to the season with just one top-10 finish. I think he'll struggle at Augusta and may miss the cut. However, I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
Disappointing Masters
Scottie Scheffler: Scheffler is not only the best player in the world but has also won twice at Augusta in the past four years. However, I think he'll struggle at Augusta and may miss the cut. I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament, and his recent wobble doesn't help.
Jordan Spieth: Spieth has never been the same since his 2016 Amen Corner implosion. I think he'll struggle at Augusta and may miss the cut. However, I'm not convinced he'll be able to maintain his form throughout the tournament.
What I'd Love to See
Justin Rose win: If anyone can ever be said to deserve victory at a tournament, it's Rose. He has three seconds, including two play-off defeats, and his gracious reaction to last year's play-off defeat makes him a strong contender. I'd love to see him win and bring home the Green Jacket.
McIlroy vs Scheffler in the final round: It feels as though golf has been denied a true showdown between the world's two finest players with a major championship on the line. I'd love to see them go head-to-head in the final round and see who comes out on top.
The old boys make the weekend: Last year, Fred Couples fell just one shot short of making the cut. I'd love to see him or Vijay Singh turn back the clock and feature on a Masters Sunday. It would be a treat to see them compete and showcase their experience and talent.
