Masters Tournament Power Rankings: Predicting The 2024 Champion

3 min read Post on Apr 08, 2025

Masters Tournament Power Rankings: Predicting the 2024 Champion

The azaleas are blooming, the pimento cheese is ready, and the anticipation is palpable. The 2024 Masters Tournament is just around the corner, and golf fans worldwide are buzzing with speculation. Who will claim the coveted green jacket this year? While predicting the winner of any major is a risky game, analyzing current form, historical performance at Augusta National, and key factors like course suitability allows us to craft compelling power rankings. Let's dive into our predictions for the 2024 Masters champion.

Top Tier Contenders: The Favorites

This elite group possesses a potent blend of recent success, Augusta National experience, and the overall game required to conquer this challenging course.

Scottie Scheffler: The world number one enters the tournament as the clear favorite. His consistent performance, exceptional short game, and mental fortitude make him a nightmare for competitors. Scheffler's recent win at the WM Phoenix Open further solidified his position as the man to beat. His Masters experience, including a dominant win in 2022, only strengthens his claim.
Jon Rahm: A powerful player with a complete game, Rahm is always a threat at any major. His incredible ball-striking ability, combined with a growing comfort at Augusta National, puts him in the top tier. A strong performance leading up to the Masters will be crucial to solidifying his position.
Rory McIlroy: The quest for the career Grand Slam continues. McIlroy has been agonizingly close at Augusta in recent years, displaying flashes of brilliance. If his putter cooperates, and he maintains his current form, he's a serious contender to finally break through.

Second Tier: Strong Contenders with a Chance

These players have the potential to make a run at the title, but might need a few breaks and a near-perfect performance to win.

Patrick Cantlay: A consistently high-performing player, Cantlay possesses an all-around solid game well-suited for Augusta. His ability to manage his game under pressure could be the key to a strong showing.
Collin Morikawa: Known for his exceptional iron play and precision, Morikawa's ability to consistently hit fairways and greens in regulation will be pivotal at Augusta. Improved putting will be crucial for his Masters success.
Viktor Hovland: The young Norwegian star continues to impress with his power and accuracy. His growing experience at Augusta National could be the key to unlocking his Masters potential.

Dark Horses: Potential for Upsets

While less likely to win, these players possess the talent to challenge the favorites on a given day and potentially pull off an upset.

Xander Schauffele: A consistent performer with a proven ability to win major championships, Schauffele’s game could be well-suited for Augusta’s nuances.
Matt Fitzpatrick: The reigning US Open champion has a strong short game which could help him navigate Augusta’s challenging greens.
Will Zalatoris: Zalatoris's exceptional short game and ability to scramble make him a threat at any course, and Augusta is no exception. Staying healthy will be key for him.

Factors to Consider: Course Conditions and Momentum

The course setup and prevailing weather conditions at Augusta National will play a significant role in determining the outcome. Recent form and momentum leading up to the tournament are also vital indicators. Keep an eye on players who are peaking at the right time.

Conclusion: A Tight Race Ahead

Predicting the winner of the Masters is always challenging, but our power rankings highlight the key contenders for the 2024 green jacket. It's shaping up to be a thrilling competition with multiple players capable of claiming victory. Expect a captivating tournament filled with drama, excitement, and ultimately, a deserving champion. Stay tuned!