Tournament Recap
Hideki Matsuyama became the first Japanese golfer to win a major championship with a win at the Masters this weekend. Matsuyama has long contended for majors and had an incredible season in 2016 and 2017. Since then, he has played well but not nearly as good as those years. At only 29, Matsuyama may be returning and improving upon his old self.
One of the best young golfers on tour Will Zalatoris finished 2nd in his first appearance at Augusta. Zalatoris is still on special exemption status due to the graduation of the Korn Ferry Tour being delayed a year. He is now ranked 27th in the world and is unable to earn FedEx Cup points. He hasn’t won yet, but with two top 10s in majors already under his belt, it won’t belong.
With two double bogeys in his final round, Xander Schauffele will remember this Masters for a long time. After finishing T3, Xander continues to play well and show his very high ceiling. At just 27 years of age, Schauffele has a top 10 in all four majors. Don’t be surprised if he finds a way to win one this season.
Jordan Spieth continues to play well, finishing T3 this week at Augusta. Spieth won the Valero Texas Open last week and was a trendy pick this week at the Masters. His driving accuracy has held him back in the past few years when he has struggled. Since his reemergence, his driver has been much better; if that continues, so will the great play.
Jon Rahm played fantastic Sunday, launching himself into a T5 finish at Augusta. Widely considered the best golfer in the world that has not won a major, Rahm will continue his pursuit. The former world number 1 has not won on any Tour this year; after his great play Sunday, don’t be surprised if he gets back on top very soon.
Prospect Watch
Tyler Strafaci
Missed the cut at The Masters, shooting 80-81. The U.S Amateur Champion struggled at Augusta this week; Strafaci has potential but is miles behind many other college prospects.
Charles Osborne
Missed the cut at the Masters, shooting 76-76. Osborne played the best out of the amateurs but failed to earn the low-am title since he missed the cut.
Joe Long
Shot 82-72 at The Masters, missing the cut. Long had the best and worst rounds of the amateurs this week at the Masters. The British Amateur has work to do before turning pro.
RBC Heritage Picks
Abraham Ancer – Solid play recently with four straight top 30s including a T26 at the Masters. Solo 2nd here last season.
J.T. Poston – Back-to-back top 10s at Harbour Town, finished 22 at the Players a few weeks back. Finished 8th last season after two straight missed cuts showing his game likely fits well here.
Tyrrell Hatton – T18 at the Masters, played well at Harbour Town last season finishing T3.
Michael Thompson – Back-to-back top 10s at Harbour Town, solid play as of late with a T34 at Augusta.
Bryson DeChambeau – Has played well in the past at Harbour Town, made the cut at the Masters but struggled. Look for him to get back on track on a course that fits his style much better.
Last Week Pick Results
Cameron Smith – T10
Justin Thomas – T21
Paul Casey – T26
Abraham Ancer – T26
Corey Conners – T8
Season Pick Results
Number of Tournaments | 8 |
Winners | 1 |
Top 20 | 8 |
Missed Cut | 12 |
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