Masters 2023: Early Predictions for Top Prize Money
The 87th edition of The Masters is almost here, and it promises to be one of the most entertaining sporting events of the spring.
Not only does the tournament feature the tremendous Augusta National course—compete with blooming azaleas and the like—but it also has one of the most talented fields of the golfing season.
Tiger Woods will be paired with standouts Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele for the first two rounds. While the five-time champion might not be among the favorites at 47 years old and after suffering leg injuries in a 2021 car collision, he should still play some quality golf and entertain the fans.
"He looks good," Rory McIlroy said Tuesday, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach. "You know, if he didn't have to walk up these hills and have all of that, I'd say he'd be one of the favorites."
Who are the favorites for the 2023 Masters? Here, you'll find a look at the latest scheduling information and more.
The Masters 2023
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When: April 6-9
Where: Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia
TV Schedule and Live Stream
- Thursday, April 6: 3-7:30 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
- Friday, April 7: 3-7:30 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+)
- Saturday, April 8: 3-7 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
- Sunday, April 9: 2-7 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
*Live stream also available on Masters.com and the Masters App
Event and Prize Pool Information
The 87th edition of The Masters should be a thrill ride for fans in attendance, those watching at home and the competitors themselves.
Not only will the field be highly competitive, but there will also be plenty at stake. This is the first of the four majors—followed by the PGA Championship in May—and there will be a $15 million prize pool.
The Masters is one of 17 "elevated" events that will feature increased prize pools throughout the season. According to BetMGM, the pool will pay $2.7 million to the winner, $1.62 million to the runner-up and $1.02 million to third place.
Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion and among the betting favorites. He'll be looking to be the first repeat winner since Woods achieved the feat in 2001 and 2002.
The 26-year-old is also coming off an impressive victory at the Players Championship, an event he won over Tyrrell Hatton by five strokes.
"He's in a good position to be able to continue to do this a while," Jordan Spieth said, per the Associated Press.
Familiarity could help Scheffler, but he's not the only former champion slated to compete. Woods, Hideki Matsuyama, Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia are among the past Masters winners in the field.
Early Vegas Favorites
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Scottie Scheffler 13-2
Rory McIlroy 15-2
Jon Rahm 17-2
Jordan Spieth 18-1
Tony Finau 18-1
Patrick Cantlay 20-1
Justin Thomas 22-1
Jason Day 22-1
Dustin Johnson 22-1
Xander Schauffele 25-1
Max Homa 28-1
Collin Morikawa 28-1
*Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Predictions
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It's hard to pick against Scottie Scheffler, who has been playing incredible golf since last year's win at Augusta. In addition to winning the Players, he also won the WM Phoenix Open and tied for fourth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The Ridgewood, New Jersey native feels like a near-lock to finish in the top 10, which is precisely why he's -150 (vet $150 to win $100) to do so.
Xander Schauffele also feels like a solid bet to finish in the top 10 (2-1 odds), given his style of play. He's been fantastic on approach shots and on the green, with his only weakness being driving accuracy. Augusta's mostly forgiving fairways should help even things out.
The 29-year-old has finished tied for second (2019) and third (2021) at The Masters before, and it won't be a shock to see him make another run at winning it all.
However, the prediction here is that Rory McIlroy bounces back from a disastrous outing at the Players to win the one major that has eluded him. He missed the cut at TPC Sawgrass, though it should be noted he made a driver switch just before the event.
The Northern Irishman has also been working hard to familiarize himself with the course.
"I've played 81 holes in the last two-and-a-half weeks, so I'm very familiar with the place again," the 33-year-old said, per Philip Reid of the Irish Times.
After finishing second at Augusta in 2022, McIlroy will finally complete his career grand slam in 2023.
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