The first roundtable of predictions by Last Word on Golf’s talented group of writers debuts for the 2019 Masters. For more insight from each member of Last Word on Golf team follow them at their mentioned Twitter handle. Don’t forget to follow @LastWordOnGolf on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and let us know your Masters picks and predictions.
Favorite Underdog
Kyle Walton (@TheKCWalton)- Tony Finau (35 to 1)
Last year at his first Masters, Finau rode the ultimate wave of emotions Wednesday at the Par-3 Contest when he made a hole in one, popped his ankle out while celebrating and quickly put it back in place himself. From there Finau had to rework his entire swing and still went on to finish tied for 10th after a final round 66. A healthy and refocused hunger could launch Finau into contention once again.
Lukas Weese (@WeeseSports)- Jordan Spieth (16 to 1)
Spieth loves it at Augusta National. Sometimes coming back to a place where you have success allows your game to blossom. While Jordan hasn’t won in a very long time, don’t put it past him to make a run at his second Green Jacket.
Josh Mullenix (@TheJMULL_)- Kevin Kisner (65 to 1)
I really like this pick for an underdog. Kisner is one of the best putters on earth, which gives him a chance to win a lot, and he’s coming off a win at the WGC Match Play. He can draw the ball off the tee, which is a must for a right-hander, and he hits a lot of fairways. Kisner can win a Masters that plays tough like Zach Johnson did in 2007. After a calm Friday, the forecast calls for rain the final three rounds with 16-20 mph winds on Sunday. If the course plays tough and Kisner putts really well, he’s got a chance to surprise people.
Brenden Martin (@brendenmartin28)- Matt Kuchar (35 to 1)
Kuchar has had a hot start to the season, pulling off some incredible shots and making it to the finals of the WGC-Dell Technologies match play. Shot shaping is what Augusta is all about. He’s the perfect underdog.
Brandon Eisenman (@BrandonEisenman)- Justin Rose (14 to 1)
Rose has been playing exceptionally well so far on the Tour this year. Though he isn’t the favorite to win, his odds are still good. Rose could surge out of the blue and potentially win The Masters.
Biggest Name to Miss the Cut
Walton- Patrick Reed
The streak continues as the previous two Masters champions prior to Reed (Danny Willett and Sergio Garcia) failed to make the cut their defending year. This season he has only cracked the top-10 once (T7) and just a few shorts weeks ago Reed failed to even make the cut at the Valspar Championship. With recent form not firing on all cylinders don’t be surprised to see Reed out of contention early.
Weese- Brooks Koepka
Call me crazy but watching Koepka’s press conference highlighted his lethargicness and lack of energy. This is due to a reported photo shoot where he had to lose 30 pounds in a short amount of time. As a result, Koepka is out of rhythm. What I’ve learned is when you bet against Brooks, he overcomes the odds with stellar play. But golf is a game of rhythm and feel and I just don’t think the three-time major champion has that right now.
Mullenix- Patrick Reed
Yes, the defending Masters champion is my pick to miss the cut. Reed isn’t exactly playing great golf right now; he hasn’t finished inside the top-10 since the WGC HSBC back in October and has only one top 20 finish since January. On top of the distractions that come with being the defending champion and him putting way too much pressure on himself, he’s going to be the one to miss out on the weekend.
Martin- Sergio Garcia
Garcia has not been playing exceptionally well this season and he has a history of letting his emotions get the best of him in Majors. That is why even though he won The Masters two years ago, I don’t think he will make the cut with such a stacked field this year.
Eisenman- Phil Mickelson
Mickelson usually plays solid rounds at Augusta National every year. However, this time around could be a little different for the lefty with a few of the holes having changes made to them. Unfortunately, Phil will miss the cut going into the weekend and will have to wait until 2020 to earn a shot at a green jacket.
2019 Masters Runner-Up
Walton- Rory McIlroy
This is a pick that could go either way and I’ve honestly flip flopped on many times already this week. McIlroy has been sensational the past year and has the current tour streak for consecutive top-10’s in the Masters. But at the end of the day I feel like the moment is ripe for Mcilroy to be in control only to have another Sunday sensation steal the green jacket off of his shoulders.
Weese- Rickie Fowler
Fowler is saying his game is in a stellar form right now. He’s done well at the Masters in the past. I see him getting into contention on Sunday but just coming up short.
Mullenix- Justin Thomas
Thomas is having a fine season with five top-10’s in the wrap-around season. He isn’t exactly trending in the right direction after three straight finishes outside of the top-20, but his game matches the blueprint of how to win at Augusta. He leads the tour in scoring average and par-5 average. Augusta is a course that you must take advantage of the par 5’s to win. Don’t be surprised to see him near the top of the leaderboard on Sunday.
Martin- Justin Rose
Justin Rose will be there on Sunday. He reclaimed his status as number one in the Official World Golf Rankings. He plays well and consistently, but it is just not his time this year.
Eisenman- Dustin Johnson
Johnson is the second favorite to win behind McIlroy. Going into the weekend, Johnson will remain close to McIlroy in terms of shots off the lead, but in the end, Johnson will finish as the 2019 Masters runner-up.
2019 Masters Winner
Walton- Rickie Fowler
For a multitude of reasons, Fowler is entering Augusta with a wealth of confidence. The perennial fan favorite already has four top-5’s this season, a win at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and don’t forget a runner-up finish at the 2018 Masters. Fowler has been poised to win a major championship and I see no better way to start than with a green jacket.
Weese- Rory McIlroy
The worst result he’s had this season is 11th. The 2019 PLAYERS Champion is coming into the Masters on a high. With the way he drives the ball and his effective scrambling this season, I’ll ride with Rory to make history at Augusta.
Mullenix- Rory McIlroy
Rory is the best golfer on the planet right now. When he’s on his A game, he’s the best player in the world and right now he’s pretty close to that. He’s got seven top-10’s already this season and has finished in the top-10 at The Masters each of the last five years. He’s leading the PGA Tour in stroke gained: tee-to-green. He’s the guy to beat this week.
Martin- Rickie Fowler
Simply put it is Rickie’s time to shine. He said he feels more confident in his game than ever. This is the year for Fowler and the green jacket.
Eisenman- Rory McIlroy
McIlroy comes into the tournament as the outright favorite. With his stellar play so far this year, he has a great chance to win his first ever green jacket.
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