10 Outsiders to Watch at The 2023 Masters

By: Derek Clements | Mon 03 Apr 2023

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There are 88 invited players expected to compete in the 87th Masters Tournament at Augusta National, with attention fixed on leading favourites like Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy.

However, there is plenty of quality further down the field. Golfshake's Derek Clements has identified ten possible contenders who could be worth an outside bet!

Talor Gooch

It was a huge blow to the PGA Tour when Gooch decided to defect to LIV Golf. He is a gifted young golfer who was tipped for stardom by many insiders. His form has stalled somewhat since he left the PGA Tour.

Joaquin Niemann

Arguably the best golfer Chile has ever produced. He won The Greenbrier in 2020 and the Genesis Invitational last year. He also had three runner-up finishes and two third places before joining the LIV bandwagon.

Thomas Pieters

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald was bitterly disappointed when Pieters decided to join LIV at the beginning of the year. He is a hugely gifted golfer who hits the ball a long way and has a wonderful touch around the greens.

Corey Conners

The Canadian is underrated. He won the Valero Texas Open for a second time on Sunday and he will drive down Magnolia Lane in confident mood.

Ryan Fox

Enjoyed the best year of his career on the DP World Tour in 2022 and has already shown that he can more than hold his own on the PGA Tour with decent finishes at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship.

Mackenzie Hughes

Another Canadian who goes about his business quietly. He won the Sanderson Farms Championship in October 2022 and reached the last eight of the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play. A wonderful putter.

Chris Kirk

The comeback story of the year. Kirk walked away from the game after admitting that he was an alcoholic. He has changed his life and is now fit and well again. His victory at the Honda Classic earlier this year was heartwarming.

Adrian Meronk

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Poland’s top golfer has all the equipment to become a global superstar. He hits the ball a mile, has a fabulous short game and a wonderful temperament. He looks to be a shoo-in for Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup team and is surely a major champion in waiting.

Sahith Theegala

A thoroughly likeable American of Indian heritage. The 25-year-old is still looking for his maiden PGA Tour win but there is a sense that when the breakthrough comes the floodgates will open.

Tiger Woods

The 15-time major champion will be everybody’s sentimental favourite but it would be a massive surprise if he were to contend. Even if he is physically fit, he simply isn’t playing enough competitive golf. But you can never rule him out.