Which Masters Rookies Could Win in 2025

If there is one thing guaranteed to get a player’s juices flowing it is making their Masters debut. There are plenty of first-timers in the field at Augusta this week.

Here, we look at them all and assess whether any of them have a realistic chance of winning.

Jose Luis Ballester, Spain

A 21-year-old Spaniard who won the 2020 Spanish Amateur, 2023 European Amateur and 2024 US Amateur. Here for experience but likely to miss the cut.

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Can he win? No.

Evan Beck, USA

Born in 1990, Beck is that rarest of animals - a career amateur with no interest in turning professional. He did spend four years as a pro but quit and is now an investment banker. Qualified by winning the 2024 US Mid-Amateur Championship.

Can he win? No.

Brian Campbell, USA

One of the shortest hitter on the PGA Tour - and that, in a nutshell, is going to be his problem on a course that is now a brute. Bernhard Langer is playing his final Masters because the course is too long for him. Campbell may feel the same.

Can he win? No.

Rafael Campos, Puerto Rico

Living the dream after finally winning his first PGA Tour title towards the end of last year. It was a win that came from nowhere and although he will love being here I am afraid he is simply making up the numbers.

Can he win? No.

Laurie Canter, England

Made the field through being in the top 50 in the world rankings. Has enjoyed a career resurgence since rejoining the DP World Tour, with two victories. Now eyeing a Ryder Cup berth.

Can he win? No.

Thomas Detry, Belgium

Hugely gifted Belgian who crossed the winning line at the Phoenix Open for his first victory on either the PGA Tour or DP World Tour. Now full of self belief.

Can he win? Yes.

Nicolas Echavarria, Columbia

Enjoyed a superb run of form at the end of 2024 and is most definitely in the field on merit. But he has gone off the boil a little and will do well to make the cut.

Can he win? No.

Max Greyserman, USA

Potentially one of the most exciting talents on the PGA Tour but Augusta National represents a huge step up for the American.

Can he win? No.

Justin Hastings, Cayman Islands

The Latin American amateur champion is probably still pinching himself when he realises he is heading to Augusta.

Can he win? No.

Joe Highsmith, USA

A recent winner on the PGA Tour in hugely emotional circumstances. He is yet another young and exciting talent but will consider surviving the cut an achievement.

Can he win? No.

Rasmus Hojgaard, Denmark

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Teeing it up alongside his twin brother Nicolai. He now has a PGA Tour card and has the game to win on any course. But landing a green jacket on debut is a step too far.

Can he win? No.

Noah Kent, USA

Lost to Ballester in the final of last year’s US Amateur. Still attending the University of Iowa. Coached by Claude Harmon, he once wanted to be professional ice hockey player.

Can he win? No.

Thriston Lawrence, South Africa

A multiple winner on the DP World Tour. He drives the ball well and is an excellent putter but is struggling to make his mark in America.

Can he win? No.

Matt McCarty, USA

Big things are expected of McCarty who last year won the Black Desert Championship with a 23-under-par total of 261 in only his third career PGA Tour start. 

Can he win? No.

Maverick McNealy, USA

I can hardly believe that McNealy is making his debut. He has been a very good player for a long time but has been accused of lacking hunger. Now a winner on the PGA Tour and one to keep an eye on.

Can he win? Yes.

Taylor Pendrith, Canada

Canadian golf is in a really good place. Nick Taylor and Corey Conners have both enjoyed plenty of success. And Pendrith looks every bit as good.

Can he win? No.

Aaron Rai, England

Has become one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour. He just does everything really well and plots his way around. He could surprise a lot of people this week.

Can he win? Yes.

Davis Riley, USA

In April 2023, Riley earned his first PGA Tour title when he won the Zurich Classic with Nick Hardy and in May last year he added the Charles Schwab Challenge to his CV.

Can he win? No.

Hiroshi Tai, Singapore

Claimed the biggest title of his amateur career in 2024 when winning the NCAA Division One Men's Championship by one stroke at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in California to earn his Masters invite.

Can he win? No.

Davis Thompson, USA

A former world number one amateur, Thompson looks to have a bright future. Won the 2024 John Deere Classic in amazing fashion, with rounds of 63, 67, 62 and 64 for a 28-under-par total of 256.

Can he win? No.

Kevin Yu, Chinese Taipei

Won the Sanderson Farms last year. He has played in the US Open three times, missing the cut each time. Has also missed the cut in his two outings at the Players Championship.

Can he win? No.

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