The Masters: Player-by-player guide featuring Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and more potential Augusta contenders

Scoring averages since 1996; Masters form covers player's last 15 appearances

ABERG, Ludvig

• Best Masters finish: n/a
• Masters form: n/a
• Augusta scoring average: n/a

Ryder Cup record-breaker, PGA and DP World Tour winner, who is making his debut in major championships. Astonishing stuff really from an astonishing talent who you can be expecting to be atop these profiles for as long as I am in the employ of pbc88.org. Can he become the first debut winner since Fuzzy Zoeller? Maybe, because he'll be among the most capable debutants to have tried. If you're still wondering how to pronounce his name, grab a copy of the children's book Where's Bear?, turn to the page where the bear has hilariously tried to hide in a lampshade, read out the line 'Oh Bear!', and there you have it.

AN, Byeong Hun

• Best Masters finish: 33rd
• Masters form: MC-MC-33-MC
• Augusta scoring average: 74.40

Looked to have the world at his feet when running away with the BMW PGA Championship but winless a the highest level since. ICYMI, golf is hard, but he's looked as good as ever since working with coach Sean Foley and will hopefully break his PGA Tour duck when a good putting week comes along. Work to do here given record at Augusta but 23rd in the Open last year and something like that no surprise.

BHATIA, Akshay

• Best Masters finish: n/a
• Masters form: n/a
• Augusta scoring average: n/a

Led all the way to capture his second PGA Tour title in the Texas Open and secure the final Masters invite. At 22 is a star in the making and at the very least adds a late twist to the top lefty markets, while it could pay to note that on occasion, winners a week before a major have started that major well. Big ask though having spent all of last week under serious pressure and been taken the distance in the end.

BRADLEY, Keegan

• Best Masters finish: 27th
• Masters form: 27-54-MC-22-52-43-23
• Augusta scoring average: 73.12

He of the intense stare which the USA could've done with in Rome and never more popular than since rejected for that role. Six cuts made in seven Masters appearances but telling that none has yet resulted in a top-20 finish, and that he's shot a couple over or worse at some stage in every one of them. Would rather back him for any of the other three majors and might be interested in taking him on in three-balls granted the right draw.

BURNS, Sam

• Best Masters finish: 29th
• Masters form: MC-29
• Augusta scoring average: 73.00

One of the form players of the early part of the year as his driver began to sing and the putts continued to drop, but quiet in Florida. Generally at his best in this corner of the US but weaknesses tend to be in areas you need to do well to contend at Augusta, and so far he's made no real impact bar a solid start last year. More to do but will appeal to some given strike-rate and ability, which have seen him achieve things at all levels below this one.

CANTLAY, Patrick

• Best Masters finish: 9th
• Masters form: 47-MC-9-17-MC-39-14
• Augusta scoring average: 72.38

Fine all-rounder who gets criticised in some quarters for his lacklustre major performances, not to mention his pace of play and strict contractual demands. Regarding the former, was 14th, ninth, 14th and 33rd in last year's and has six top-15s in his last 10, which for my money means he's really not been far away. Best chance did come when hitting the front here in 2019 and was back in the mix last year before a poor final round. Needs to figure out these greens having been 51st and 49th in putting across the last two editions and even worse than that when missing the cut in 2021. Long backstroke maybe a problem when you're putting on glass?

CLARK, Wyndham

• Best Masters finish: n/a
• Masters form: n/a
• Augusta scoring average: n/a

Seems remarkable to say that this will be his debut but it's all happened recently for this major champion and Ryder Cup player. Added a third win to his collection in February when Saturday 60 at Pebble Beach was just enough to beat the buzzer, and clearly among that second wave of world-class talent having been second at both Bay Hill and Sawgrass since. Preferred fade once a negative here but not sure that theory works anymore, and another first-timer with a chance to break the hoodoo if his approach play remains on-song.

COLE, Eric

• Best Masters finish: n/a
• Masters form: n/a
• Augusta scoring average: n/a

2023 Rookie of the Year will offer hope to any aspiring professional whose career hasn't quite lit fire, as it took him about three million minor tour starts to finally make it. Very nearly landed us a touch at home in the Honda Classic and went on to prove his versatility with big performances in Japan, Mexico and Canada, his blend of quality approach play and dynamite putting making him a danger on shorter courses. Expectations have to be set low on debut around this one but will win the par-three tournament.

CONNERS, Corey

• Best Masters finish: 6th
• Masters form: MC-46-10-8-6-MC
• Augusta scoring average: 71.85

Feast-or-famine record of three top-10s and three non-factors and as you'd expect, the best of it came thanks to supreme ball-striking. This his time of year having won (little-known event called...) the Texas Open twice and continues to hit it well, in fact he's gained strokes off the tee on every appearance for an entire year. Putter the problem and would also be slightly worried about his ruthlessness, but a solid each-way contender nonetheless and did hold firm for a fair while in last year's US PGA.

COUPLES, Fred

• Best Masters finish: 1st
• Masters form: MC-MC-6-15-12-13-20-MC-18-38-MC-MC-MC-MC-50
• Scoring average: 72.70

Smooth operator who is so popular he can even get away with promising people Ryder Cup picks despite 1) having no authority to do so and 2) those people not getting Ryder Cup picks. Shot a fine 71 in the first round last year to remind us all that he can make three-ball wagers look just as silly, but withdrew from Champions Tour event recently.

DAVIS, Cam

• Best Masters finish: 46th
• Masters form: 46
• Augusta scoring average: 75.00

Boasts one of the silkiest swings in golf, whether playing right-handed or left, and that is one of a few reasons he goes down as a bit of an underachiever despite having won at all levels. That sentence tells you how much I think of him and he hit the frame for us at a huge price in the PGA last year not long after Masters debut in which he carded four over-par rounds. Probably one for another tournament as things can spiral out of control, as we saw recently at Riviera.

DAY, Jason

• Best Masters finish: 2nd
• Masters form: 2-WD-3-20-28-10-22-20-5-MC-MC-39
• Augusta scoring average: 71.85

First nine Masters visits were exceptional (bar the one where he had to withdraw due to injury) but last three have not been. Has returned to winning ways since and is a particularly brilliant chipper under these conditions, while his moon-ball may also help explain his fondness for the course. Hope new clothes suppliers Malbon are paying him well enough to fill all that room in his trousers with banknotes and he will look a bit daft in the jacket, but has to be considered a contender to land a second Australian win albeit this will be his 13th go.

DE LA FUENTE, Santiago (a)

• Best Masters finish: n/a
• Masters form: n/a
• Augusta scoring average: n/a

Winner of the Latin America Amateur Championship and went on to make the cut in the Mexico Open in front of friends and family. Plays his college golf in Houston and says he's determined to enjoy this as much as he can for however long it lasts.

DECHAMBEAU, Bryson

• Best Masters finish: 21st
• Masters form: 21-38-29-34-46-MC-MC
• Augusta scoring average: 72.96

Still to figure this place out despite the fact that in 2020 he was anointed following precisely one hole (didn't happen in the end... he was rubbish). In fact his best effort to date came when an amateur in 2016 although he did fire an opening 66 to lead three years later. Three sub-70 rounds in total hint at better to come as does some of his play in 2024, but MC-MC over the past two years is dreadful for a player of his ability and his strengths don't necessarily marry up with what's needed. Thank goodness – would be an unbearable winner and nobody wants to be washing down 12 rashers with a protein shake at next year's Champions Dinner. Well, except Gary Player I suppose.

DUNLAP, Nick

• Best Masters finish: n/a
• Masters form: n/a
• Augusta scoring average: n/a

Became the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson when capturing the AmEx in January. Turned pro immediately afterwards and has generally struggled from tee-to-green, hence no further impact until 11th in Houston. Fascinating to see how his career unfolds with time on his side thanks to winner's exemption.

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ECKROAT, Austin

• Best Masters finish: n/a
• Masters form: n/a
• Augusta scoring average: n/a

Impressive breakthrough winner at the Cognizant Classic and has plenty of scope to kick on now. That event has been a good majors pointer in the past albeit more the two opens and as with most first-timers, this is really all about bagging some experience he might one day put to use. Biggest positive would be his approach work when firing and this won't be his last Masters.

ENGLISH, Harris

• Best Masters finish: 21st
• Masters form: MC-42-21-43
• Augusta scoring average: 73.64

Decent fit on paper as he's a bit wild off the tee at times but can dial in his approaches and putt the lights out. Hasn't really shown it so far though and is yet to break 70 in 14 attempts, 10 of which have been over-par, so in theory is one to oppose. I'd just be wary about bumping into him on a good day and imagine he'll be absent from all calculations once I actually get round to calculating.

FINAU, Tony

• Best Masters finish: 5th
• Masters form: 10-5-38-10-35-26
• Augusta scoring average: 71.33

Briefly became as prolific as his spermatozoa and given that he'd long since established himself as a force in majors, the equation in some ways looks simple. It's complicated by the fact that his putting stroke makes me feel sick and that's what cost him a win at Torrey Pines earlier in the season. Contended here in 2019 when playing in the final group with Tiger Woods and never been worse than midfield, a record his awesome long-game can help extend. And if he does putt well, he'll be very close, because you could argue that long-game has seldom if ever been better (1st T2G on final start pre-Masters).

FITZPATRICK, Matt

• Best Masters finish: 7th
• Masters form: MC-7-32-38-21-46-34-14-10
• Augusta scoring average: 72.24

Narrowly missed the cut on his first try here when still an amateur, but a flawless eight-from-eight as a pro without ever getting near the lead. Long run of 70-plus rounds will need breaking if he's to add this to his US Open victory and form has been patchy so far in 2024. Considers driver and putter his best two clubs and key to Augusta tends to be irons, so perhaps that sums up his prospects neatly enough, but clearly has pedigree, an experienced caddie, and the ability to flick the switch – or else remove the weights he'd accidentally left in his driver for a year. Oops.

FLEETWOOD, Tommy

• Best Masters finish: 14th
• Masters form: MC-17-36-19-46-14-33
• Augusta scoring average: 72.23

Seven-time DP World Tour winner unfairly characterised as a serial loser despite that haul and two fabulous Ryder Cup performances, including nutting a three-wood to effectively win the last one for Europe. Top-10 finishes in four of his last seven majors, averaging one of those per year over the last seven, and has mastered both the preparation and execution side of golf's biggest tournaments. Winning is the one thing missing and record here, which shows a best of 14th, suggests the Masters isn't the best fit. I'm not yet convinced of that and one way or another should give you a run for your money.

MERONK, Adrian

• Best Masters finish: Missed cut
• Masters form: MC
• Augusta scoring average: 74.50

Fabulous ball-striker who was the best of 10 players to earn PGA Tour membership via last season's Race to Dubai, something he'd described as his dream. Decided to sell up on that and move to LIV Golf where he's more than good enough to be winning something this year. Disappointing first try here but at least putted well and should do better, just hope this isn't the last we see of him at Augusta.

MICKELSON, Phil

• Best Masters finish: 1st
• Masters form: 3-MC-12-6-7-3-3-3-1-10-1-24-5-5-1-27-3-54-MC-2-MC-22-36-18-55-21-2
• Augusta scoring average: 71.25

The best player of Augusta National from 2004 to 2010 (three wins, only once outside the top 10), beginning with that famous star jump when finally breaking his duck. Rolled back the years to capture the PGA Championship in 2021 before becoming the sport's heel, and then powering through the field for an unlikely second place last year. Pretty abysmal returns on LIV Golf circuit and followed best of sixth in Jeddah with a round of 80 next time. Who knows what to expect except for some trolling at some stage.

MOORE, Taylor

• Best Masters finish: 39th
• Masters form: 39
• Augusta scoring average: 73.25

Highly regarded by his peers and a player who it'll probably pay to follow in standard PGA Tour events. Secured late invite last year by winning the Valspar in game fashion, played pretty well all things considered, and on his day can do everything to a high standard. One for another day perhaps.

MORIKAWA, Collin

• Best Masters finish: 5th
• Masters form: 44-18-5-10
• Augusta scoring average: 71.44

Three top-20s from three goes in April having made a low-key Masters debut in November, and as a player considered by many to be the best with his irons since Tiger Woods, the course should be perfect for him in many ways. Has been getting closer, too, playing in the penultimate group on Saturday last year, and since then has returned to winning ways albeit in low-key event. Another 20 yards off the tee wouldn't go amiss but more of a worry would be his famed approach work, which has been decidedly iffy of late. Can't win without it, can absolutely win with it, and some encouragement early on in Texas.