Ultimate Masters predictions: Football legends and talkSPORT royalty pick Augusta champion as Bob MacIntyre tipped for glory

Maybe you’ve been dragged into a Masters draft or you’re wondering how to feel about getting Fred Couples in the work sweepstake.

Perhaps you’ve started to notice everyone is suddenly talking about golf.

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Or you missed Rory McIlroy’s astonishing victory last year and wanted to know why this old-person sport was suddenly so exhilarating.

The Masters has that affect on people. Welcome to the party. You’re going to enjoy it here.

From a golfing perspective, it doesn’t get any better – but that’s not why your aunt is so obsessed with Augusta National.

There is something about its beauty that touches the soul. It’s not hyperbole. It could genuinely be one of the world’s seven wonders.

It’s timing as well. At a point when the UK is hotter than Ibiza, Masters weekend symbolises the literal joys of spring for sport fans.

After months of cold and rain, it’s officially time to fill your cup with hope and optimism.

Get out there and smell the azaleas. It’s nice now. Look, the Masters is on.

You’ll find yourself sat there thinking, you know what, maybe Arsenal won’t win the league this year? Maybe everything will be OK.

Simply put, it’s one of the best sporting events around – and everyone at talkSPORT has an opinion on who will win.

From our actual golf experts (don’t look at me) to football legends and much-loved presenters, consider this the ultimate list of Masters predictions.

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I fancy Jon Rahm (or Bryson DeChambeau) – and Scottie Scheffler is the betting favourite. If that’s worth anything…

Alex Crook (chief football correspondent)

“What a weekend we’ve got in store. The best of the sporting year for me.

“I was lucky enough to walk the hallowed grounds of Augusta last year and I bought the club shop.

“In terms of a winner for this year, I fancy Jon Rahm to go close. He’s been in excellent form on the LIV tour and is a former Masters winner.

“But my main selection is the American Xander Schauffele. He’s only been outside the top ten once in his last five visits to Augusta, finished third a few years ago, and finished third at the Players Championship a few weeks ago.

“So I expect Rahm to go close, but Schauffele is my man to be slipping on that famous Green Jacket come Sunday.”

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Shebahn Aherne (talkSPORT host)

“I’m gonna go for Bob MacIntyre.

“But I’m also going to stick a cheeky tenner on Rory McIlroy just because I think the monkey’s off his back. I would love for him to win it back-to-back after all the time it took him to win it last year.

“And then I’m also going to stick money on Bob McIntyre. I read yesterday that nobody has won it the last 12 years outside the top 10… Bob MacIntyre is ranked eighth in the world right now and is in great form going into the tournament.

“He’s had the experience now at Augusta. So maybe it could be his year.

“It’s been a great year for the Scots, getting to a World Cup, and of course the Scottish Premiership title race is absolutely incredible.

“So maybe Bob will add that little Scottish magic. Good luck!”

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Jamie O’Hara (Ex-Tottenham midfielder)

“My pick for the Masters is Jon Rahm.

“He’s in good form, loves Augusta and hopefully gets it done.”

Ally McCoist (Ex-Rangers striker)

“This is absolutely balanced and not at all influenced by my country…

“I think Bob MacIntyre will be the Masters champion.”

Rupert Bell (talkSPORT golf correspondent)

“Well, I may not be going to Augusta, but my heart will be there definitely.

“Of course, it’s Grand National Week as well, so that will be my main focus for talkSPORT. But, thinking of the Masters, I have to say I’ve got two sneaking regards for two former champions.

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“One’s still plying his trade on LIV, but he’s been playing great golf.
He’s moved from 84 to 30 in the world rankings. That’s Jon Rahm. I think he’s in great form.

“And Patrick Reed‘s been playing lights-out golf on the DP World Tour, and he’s back to his best form.

“So, it’s the two Rs for me at this week’s Masters. That’s Jon Rahm and Patrick Reed.”

Dean Saunders (Ex-Liverpool striker)

“My tip for the Masters – which is my favourite four days of the year, I can’t wait for it to get started – is Bob MacIntyre.

“He’s a brilliant putter. He’s bang on form and I think he’s got a great chance of winning it.”

Ray Parlour (Ex-Arsenal midfielder)

“My pick for the Masters… it will be two I’m afraid.

“Ludvig Aberg and Jon Rahm. Good luck everyone!”