Predicting The 2022 Masters

The 86th Masters Tournament sees the full capacity of spectators returning to Augusta National just in time to witness yet another extraordinary comeback from five-time winner Tiger Woods.

Hideki Matsuyama is the defending champion and his fight for fitness is one of many stories heading into the event, with the likes of Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and world number one Scottie Scheffler among the favourites to claim that iconic Green Jacket.

But what's going to happen? Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook has challenged Editor Kieran Clark to a battle of wits, a contest of predictions, to see who can most accurately project what we're about to see at the 2022 Masters.

Who is Going to Win?

Matt: "Well, considering that at the start of the year we made predictions and I went with Cameron Smith, I don't see any need to change this - especially given he recently won The Players and will have a bounce in his step heading to Augusta."  

Kieran: "I said Jon Rahm at the beginning of this year - and it's hard to move away from that prediction. His record at Augusta National is superb and he possesses the skillset to triumph here and follow in the footsteps of legendary Spanish compatriots. But if not Rahm, then Justin Thomas is a close second choice; his iron play is the key to unlock this course and I'm sure the influence of good friend Tiger Woods will help."

Top Englishman?

Matt: "Has to be Paul Casey for me, I just feel like he always plays well round Augusta and this year will be no exception."  

Kieran: "Tyrrell Hatton has been playing consistently excellent golf this year and I feel that a significant breakthrough moment is coming. His results at Augusta have been unspectacular, but it could be time for that to change."

Best Former Masters Champion?

Matt: "Hideki will have a good week for sure, it wasn't a shock that he won last year given his record around the course. But I am seeing a return to form from Jordan Spieth this week and he will be the highest placed former winner."  

Kieran: "Dustin Johnson looked back to his best for much of the recent WGC Match Play and I expect that he will feature on the leaderboard this week as he pursues a second victory down Magnolia Lane."

Best Golfer Aged 50+?

Matt: "Doesn't feel like there is much to pick from, But Bernhard Langer seems to win everything on the seniors tour so he is in for a solid week."  

Kieran: "Former Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington is part of the field courtesy of his surprise fourth place finish at last year's PGA Championship, and I believe that the highly-determined Irishman will play all four rounds in what is likely to be a farewell appearance at the Masters."

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Where Will Rory McIlroy Finish?

Matt: "Rory will be Rory. Good round. average round. poor round. Great round and back door a top 10/15. I want him to win more than anyone else though."  

Kieran: "There are probably lower expectations on Rory this week than ever before - which may not be a bad thing, but it reflects where he's been with his game since the Dubai Desert Classic. It's a leap to see that changing dramatically, but like Matt, I see McIlroy finishing inside the top ten come Sunday."

Pick 3 Golfers Outside The World's Top 25 We Need to Watch

Matt: "Sungjae Im - has a fairly good record (despite last year) and is showing good signs. 

"Thomas Pieters - Think this guy's game is so suited to Augusta National, as long as he stays patient there is no reason he can't have a good week. 

"Kevin Kisner - going with Kis because he seems like a pretty cool guy and someone I can get behind." 

Kieran: "Canada's Corey Conners has finished inside the top ten in each of the last two Masters Tournaments, and I think he's a tantalising outside bet to consider this week.

"I always sense that Shane Lowry should have the game for Augusta; he has enough length and all the feel and touch in the world. Perhaps this is the year when that potential shows itself.

"And finally, Gary Woodland, the 2019 US Open champion has put together some decent results in the past few months and looks like a contender again."

Winning Score?

Matt: "-15 wins, They don't want another really low score."  

Kieran: "With the changes made to several holes, particularly the 11th and 15th, I expect Augusta to play tough depending on conditions and that anyone getting to double digits under-par could be the winner. So, -10 for me."

Leading Amateur?

Matt: "Going with Stewart Hagestad and going back to back as leading Am. Experience he gained last year will be key."  

Kieran: "Hagestad is a shrewd choice, but for the sake of variety, I'll go for James Piot, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion."

Where Will Tiger Woods Finish?

Matt: "Tiger makes the cut, but his lack of competitive play takes it toll and he fades away to a top 40ish finish."  

Kieran: "Tiger has never missed the cut as a professional at the Masters, and that's not going to happen this week either. As Matt said, stamina could prove a factor during the weekend, but I expect the five-time champion to impress and finish inside the top 25, representing another incredible comeback with more to come."

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