There is only a handful of golfers that fans get out of bed to watch. Some might argue less.
Rory McIlroy. There’s one name. He’s a household name. Scottie Scheffler is the best player in the world – there’s another name.
Bryson DeChambeau never leaves us wanting for entertainment and, when Tiger Woods is fit and competing, there is no other athlete that draws a crowd like this 15-time major-winning icon.
So this is why I was pleasantly surprised by the answers of the Masters patrons when I asked them who they would most like to win the Masters, while frequenting various corners of this hallowed, green turf at Augusta National Golf Club.
Like when I’ve attended The Open Championship before, there is huge respect for past champions here among the Augusta National crowds. They even give them Green Jackets for winning and a lifetime exemption, so I’ve heard.
Perhaps my naivety comes from living virtually 24/7 in a golf bubble, embroiled by what people want to read and which players tickle their interest the most.
Sure, the aforementioned players have their admirers and plenty of them. Just earlier today, on Masters moving day, I came across an image of McIlroy on the famed tee box of the 12th hole, and the crowd was deeper than the ocean.
I am more grateful than I can describe to have access to the same ground where legends have been, and to capture the waves of patrons following the sport’s biggest stars for myself.
But also in real life and talking to real people, one of the many qualities of the Masters that doesn’t allow mobile phones through the gates, I discovered a variety of preferences and in fact, an array of golfers have built healthy fanbases. It was brightly reassuring.
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Who do you want to win the Masters? A patron’s perspective…
“We all want Rory McIlroy to win, don’t we? I wouldn’t be mad if Bryson won either” – said Joseph from Alabama.
“You know, I like Ludvig Aberg” – said Brian from Chambers, Indiana.
“I don’t know! I would love to see Phil Mickelson win one more time – said Kathy from Augusta – “He’s from my generation and he’s living his best life”
“An underdog! Someone who makes it here a lot but hasn’t won it yet” – said Carey from Augusta.
“I don’t really watch golf outside of the Masters” – said Maria from here in Augusta – “but if I had to say one, it would be Scottie Scheffler.”
“Min Woo Lee! He rules. We also like Akshay Bhatia” – said Josh from Iowa. This was my favourite answer.
“Brian Harman – We went to the same school” – said Michael from Savannah, a fellow Georgia man like the diminutive Open champion of 2023.
“None of the Brits…” – said Glen from Charlotte, a man clearly not after my own heart – “I’d like to see Bryson win, I guess. He works so hard.”
“It would be great of someone won who hasn’t won it before. An underdog” – said Miranda from North Carolina. That’s the spirit, Miranda.
“Scottie!” Tim from Washington D.C said. He had also expressed his admiration for players like Nick Faldo for winning back-to-back Masters titles – hence pulling for Scheffler in 2025.
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Who did you think would be the most popular golfers at the Masters? Tell us on X!
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