Masters 2024: Early Predictions for Top Prize Money

One golfer will emerge victorious from the 89-man field at the 2024 Masters Tournament on Sunday. He'll receive a green jacket at Augusta National Golf Club and take home the largest cut of the prize money.

Who will it be? That's never easy to predict, considering the Masters had 11 unique winners over the past 11 years. And it's always possible for a sleeper to emerge.

Scottie Scheffler is the favorite to win entering this year's Masters. The No. 1-ranked golfer in the world won the event in 2022, and he's already notched victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship this year.

Here are predictions for the top finishers at this year's Masters Tournament.

3. Cameron Young

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PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA - MARCH 24: Cameron Young of the United States plays his shot from the first tee during the final round of the Valspar Championship at Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 24, 2024 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

So far in 2024, Cameron Young's play has been up and down. But he's had strong showings at times, and he also heads into the Masters with positive momentum, having placed second at the Valspar Championship late last month.

The biggest reason why Young could fare well at the Masters is because he did so last year. After missing the cut in his Augusta National debut in 2022, Young bounced back with a seventh-place finish in his second Masters appearance in 2023.

Young had a 67 in the opening round last year and a 68 in the final round. If he can be more consistent this time around, he could end up even higher on the leaderboard.

The prediction here is that Young will continue his upward Masters trend by placing third. It'll be another encouraging performance by the 26-year-old.

2. Hideki Matsuyama

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AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan reacts during a practice round prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Hideki Matsuyama shouldn't be overlooked heading into this year's Masters Tournament. He's a former winner of a green jacket (emerging victorious at Augusta National in 2021), and he's playing well of late.

The 32-year-old won the Genesis Invitational in February, and he's placed 12th or better at each of his three tournaments since, which included tying for sixth at the Players Championship last month. So Matsuyama has a good bit of positive momentum.

Matsuyama has also made the cut at each of his past nine Masters appearances. He's finished in the top 20 eight times during that span and in the top seven three times.

Even if Matsuyama doesn't win his second Masters title, he should play well again. He could earn a runner-up finish in 2024.

1. Scottie Scheffler

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AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Scottie Scheffler of the United States hits his shot from the second tee during a practice round prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Let's not overthink this one. Scottie Scheffler is the best men's golfer in the sport today, and he knows how to win at Augusta National, having captured a Masters title in 2022. He has a good chance of doing it again this year.

Scheffler has recorded a 69 or better in 24 of the 31 rounds he's played at events this year. So the 27-year-old is stringing together good shots nearly every time he's hitting the greens.

Scheffler also has a strong track record at Augusta National. He's finished 19th or better in each of his four previous Masters appearances.

After ending up 10th last year, Scheffler should return in a big way. Expect him to win his second Masters title and continue his torrid start to 2024.