In the world of golf, where the Masters Tournament is the pinnacle of achievement, the term 'dark horse' takes on a new meaning. It's not just about the underdogs; it's about those who might be overlooked, yet possess the potential to shock and awe. This year, as the field narrows and the pressure mounts, there are four players who could emerge as the next green jacket wearer. These are the players who, despite not receiving the same attention as the McIlroys and Schefflers, could very well be the ones to watch.
Cam Young: The Player Who Won the Players
Cam Young, the man who won the Players Championship last month, is a prime example of a dark horse. Before his victory, he was known for his silver medals, coming close but never quite making it. However, his win at TPC Sawgrass proved that he could do more than just come close. It showed that he could win on a difficult course against the deepest field in golf. Young's game is solid, and his victory at the Players not only showcased his ability to win but also his ability to do so on a challenging course. His performance this year, sitting fourth in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 15th in Greens in Regulation, is a testament to his ever-improving skill set. While his putter hasn't been as hot as previous years, it's still solid, and his overall game is a force to be reckoned with.
Min Woo Lee: The Australian with a Well-Rounded Game
Min Woo Lee, the 25th-ranked golfer in the world, is another dark horse to watch. In 2022, he eagled the second hole and then ran off a string of four birdies for a front-nine 30, equalling the scoring record for that side of the course. His game is well-rounded, and he sits in fifth place in Strokes Gained: Total. Off the tee, he is also solid and leads the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Total, a combination of distance and accuracy. Lee's performance this season, with a solid start and a tie for second at Pebble Beach, makes him a strong contender.
Si Woo Kim: The Mature Player with a Complete Game
Si Woo Kim, the 30-year-old from Seoul, South Korea, is another dark horse to consider. He has played in eight Masters, making the cut in the last seven, and his best finish was a tie for 12th in 2021. The stats show he leads the PGA Tour in driving accuracy and proximity to the hole, two great numbers for someone taking on Augusta National. While his putter hasn't been consistently hot this year, he did putt well in his last two starts, a positive sign that could show a complete game. Beyond the stats, Kim has matured as a player and seems wiser in shot selection and knowing when to take on risk.
Jake Knapp: The Solid Performer with a Perfect Game
Jake Knapp, who has played in seven events this season, finishing inside the top 10 in five of them, is another dark horse to watch. His stats this year are impressive, with first place in Strokes Gained: Total, second in Strokes Gained: Putting, and eighth in Driving Distance. However, one small hesitation is that he has played just a single Masters, finishing tied for 55th two years ago, so there is not a ton of experience. But that can be somewhat overlooked when you consider his overall performance this year.
In my opinion, these four players are the dark horses who could win the Masters. They are the ones who, despite not receiving the same attention as the favorites, possess the potential to shock and awe. They are the ones who could very well be the next green jacket wearer. So, if you take a step back and think about it, these are the players who could very well be the next Masters champion.
