In fewer than 50 days, the 90th edition of the Masters will commence with the Honorary Starters ceremony. We’re so close to driving down Magnolia Lane that I can almost taste the peach ice cream sandwiches.
While there’s still time for players not yet in the field to earn their way in, the ticking clock is growing louder, and the pressure will only mount in the coming weeks.
A win would get the job done, as would sneaking inside the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking the week before the golfing world heads to Augusta National.
The field is already undoubtedly loaded, but there are plenty of big names currently on the outside looking in.
Here are some players I need to see among the Georgia pines come April 9.
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Rickie Fowler
Since playing in the November edition in 2020, Fowler has made just one appearance at the Masters, tying for 30th in 2024. He’s had a ton of success at Augusta National over the years, missing just one cut in 11 starts and finishing T-12 or better five times. In 2018, he finished one shot shy of winner Patrick Reed.
Sitting at No. 69 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Fowler has opened the season with three straight top-20 finishes at the American Express, WM Phoenix Open, and Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
With his current form and love for the golf course at the end of Magnolia Lane, I think Fowler could contend for a Green Jacket—he just has to get there first.
Jake Knapp
Knapp made his Masters debut two years ago thanks to his win at the Mexico Open. He made the cut, but that was the highlight of his week after finishing tied for 55th. For his first time playing Augusta National in the year’s first major championship, I’m sure he wasn’t too disappointed.
He failed to get into the field last year, so his sophomore showing could come in less than two months.
As I said earlier, a win would take care of all his problems, as would getting into the top 50 in the world ranking the week prior to the tournament. Knapp currently sits at No. 55 after four straight finishes of T-11 or better to start the season.
Anthony Kim
I can already hear the complaints about this one. “He won one event!” “It was a fluke outcome!” “No one cares!”
I disagree. You know what would be cooler than winning LIV Golf’s biggest event of the year? Playing in the Masters after everything he’s been through—and 15 years removed from his last appearance. The dude still holds the record for most birdies in a round at Augusta with 11. Yes, 11. That’s brain-breaking stuff.
It (probably) won’t happen, but this is my list. I can put him on here if I want!