Local golf pros share their picks for Masters glory – or heartache.

The first major of the year always brings a feeling of excitement and anticipation to the professional golf world, and the Masters Tournament never fails to deliver. The golfers had to battle Mother Nature as much as the course a year ago, so we’re putting in our order now for four days of blue skies and sunshine for the 2024 tournament.

Last year our favorite local golf gurus outdid themselves when five out of six of the prognosticators correctly predicted that Jon Rahm would be the last man standing on Sunday. For the upcoming tournament, their predictions are much more varied. We can’t wait to see who slips into the coveted green jacket this year.

Chris Verdery
Director of Golf, The River Golf Club
(Chris’ correct 2023 predictions: Masters Champion, Low Newcomer, Low Senior, Highest 18-Hole Score, Highest Score on One Hole)

2024 Masters Champion: I’m going to go with Viktor Hovland. I think he’s playing great right now.

Dark Horse: Keegan Bradley

Low Newcomer: I’ll take Lee Hodges. I think his game fits the course.

Low Senior: Phil Mickelson

Highest-Ranked Player to Miss the Cut: I’ll go with Xander Schauffele.

Toughest Hole: I’ll say No. 5. It plays long, and the green is tough.

Pivotal Hole: No. 13

Highest 18-Hole Score: 81

Highest Score on One Hole: 9

Tommy Brannen
Head Golf Professional, Augusta Country Club
(Tommy’s correct 2023 predictions: Masters Champion, Low Senior)

2024 Masters Champion: I would say J.T. (Justin Thomas) this year. It’s his turn.

Dark Horse: Jake Knapp. He has such a great swing.

Low Newcomer: Jake Knapp

Low Senior: I’ll take Fred Couples. He always plays well there.

Highest-Ranked Player to Miss the Cut: Brian Harman

Toughest Hole: No. 11

Pivotal Hole: Let’s go with No. 13.

Highest 18-Hole Score: 84

Highest Score on One Hole: 8

Char Cormier
General Manager/Director of Golf, Forest Hills Golf Club
(This is Char’s first year participating in our poll.)

2024 Masters Champion: Scottie Scheffler. I like him a lot, and I think his game is good for that golf course.

Dark Horse: Jordan Spieth

Low Newcomer: Wyndham Clark. They’re all so good. I’ve met him before, and I think I’ve actually played with him. I know he’s got game.

Low Senior: Vijay Singh

Highest-Ranked Player to Miss the Cut: Keegan Bradley

Toughest Hole: I think it’s No. 1.

Pivotal Hole: No. 12

Highest 18-Hole Score: 80

Highest Score on One Hole: 9

Spike Kelley
General Manager and Golf Professional, Goshen Plantation
(Spike’s correct 2023 predictions: Spike needs a mulligan on his 2023 predictions.)

2024 Masters Champion: Rory McIlroy. I’ll keep picking him until he wins it.

Dark Horse: Viktor Hovland. Is he a dark horse? He’s really good.

Low Newcomer: Ludvig Aberg

Low Senior: Fred Couples. He always plays real well there.

Highest-Ranked Player to Miss the Cut: Brian Harman

Toughest Hole: No. 4. It’s hard. Even if you’re on the green, it’s hard.

Pivotal Hole: I’m saying No. 11.

Highest 18-Hole Score: 85

Highest Score on One Hole: 8

Ira Miller
General Manager, Augusta Municipal Golf Course
(Ira’s correct 2023 prediction: Masters Champion)

2024 Masters Champion: I’m going to say Hideki Matsuyama. He’s hot right now, and he came from way behind to win a few weeks ago. He’s always got a pretty good game on Sunday if he’s not too far behind.

Dark Horse: Brooks Koepka. He was in the hunt last year.

Low Newcomer: Ludvig Aberg

Low Senior: Phil Mickelson

Highest-Ranked Player to Miss the Cut: Keegan Bradley

Toughest Hole: No. 12 is always the toughest hole.

Pivotal Hole: No. 15

Highest 18-Hole Score: 83

Highest Score on One Hole: 8

Tyler Powers
Golf Shop Manager, Hickory Knob State Park Golf Course
(Tyler’s correct 2023 prediction: Masters Champion)

2024 Masters Champion: Who is going to win the Masters? I’d like to see Jon Rahm win it again.

Dark Horse: Tiger Woods, if he plays.

Low Newcomer: Wyndham Clark

Low Senior: Probably Freddie Couples. I like Freddie.

Highest-Ranked Player to Miss the Cut: Brian Harman

Toughest Hole: It’s usually on Amen Corner. Probably No. 12.

Pivotal Hole: No. 16

Highest 18-Hole Score: 86

Highest Score on One Hole: 8