Ludvig Aberg stormed to a sensational Masters debut last year and the Swede has a strong chance of posting another top five finish. Aberg showed no sign of nerves as he putted superbly on his way to second place at Augusta National. He won a signature event this season at Torrey Pines in the Genesis Invitational and looks a major winner in waiting. 

Patrick Reed has handled the challenges of this course consistently over the years and the 2018 champion is worth backing for another strong showing. The American has finished inside the top 10 at the Masters in four of his last seven appearances and was also 12th last year. Reed was runner-up last month in Macau and also won the Hong Kong Open at the end of last year. The LIV golfer's Augusta experience can help secure another top 10 in Georgia.

 Robert MacIntyre has shown a real liking for Augusta National on his two starts and returns a much better player. The left-hander was 12th on debut when he made a tournament-high 21 birdies in 2021. MacIntyre was 23rd the following year and he has since elevated his game dramatically. Victories last year at the Canadian Open and Scottish Open highlighted his progress and MacIntyre was ninth last month at the Players Championship. A top 20 finish looks well within his sights. 

Collin Morikawa appears primed to produce a bold challenge for the Masters and his recent form suggests Augusta National could be perfectly timed for him. Morikawa has played consistently well this season, twice finishing runner-up including when shooting 32-under-par at The Sentry. The six-time PGA Tour winner was also second at Bay Hill and finished 10th on his last start at the Players Championship. 

Morikawa was renowned for his exceptional iron game, on his way to winning the PGA Championship in 2020 and the Open four years ago. His accuracy dipped for several seasons but the 28-year-old's swing is back in mint condition and he currently leads the PGA Tour for strokes gained approaching the green. Morikawa also leads the rankings for birdie average and strokes gained from tee to green. Third last year at the Masters and fifth in 2022, Morikawa rates the strongest alternative to the big two favourites at 12/1 each way. 

Jon Rahm landed his first Masters title two years ago and the LIV golfer looks ready to contend for another victory at Augusta National. Rahm surged to a four-shot success in 2023 and has a stellar record at the year’s first major. The Spaniard has finished inside the top 10 on five of his eight Masters starts and was fourth in 2018. 

Rahm was distracted by the demands on his title defence last year and his controversial move to LIV. He is far more settled now and his consistent form bodes well for his chances in Georgia. Rahm has finished inside the top six in his first four LIV tournaments this year with a tie for second in Riyadh. Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, and Scottie Scheffler all captured their second Masters title two years after their first, and Rahm can follow them with victory at the Cathedral of Pines.

Joaquin Niemann has yet to translate his exceptional form on the LIV circuit onto the major stage but this rising star looks primed to compete for the Masters. Niemann has already won twice this year, with victory in Adelaide followed by a five-shot triumph in Singapore last month. The Chilean also ended last year with a win at the Saudi International.

Niemann’s last victory on the PGA Tour is significant with Riviera renowned as a comparable course that is won by Masters winners. Hideki Matsuyama, Phil Mickelson, and Bubba Watson have all succeeded at both courses and Niemann undoubtedly has the game to tame Augusta National. The 26-year-old has solid Masters form which includes 16th in 2023 and 22nd last year with Niemann backed at 20/1 to contend for his first major. 

Russell Henley has developed into one of the most consistent performers on the PGA Tour and he looks capable of threatening a first major title. Henley landed an overdue victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month, edging out Collin Morikawa at Bay Hill. He was also fifth at Pebble Beach this year and sixth at the Cognizant Classic in Florida. 

Henley ranks fourth this season for both greens in regulation and birdie average. There are no obvious weaknesses in his game and he has steadily built confidence in the majors. Henley was fourth two years ago at the Masters and last season he finished seventh at the US Open and fifth at the Open held at Troon. At the peak of his powers and with a Ryder Cup place in sight, Henley can challenge for the green jacket at 33/1. 

Sepp Straka has been one of the most impressive players on the PGA Tour this year and is backed to contend in the first major of the season. The Austrian ace won the American Express with a 25-under-par total in January and has two other top 10s including fifth place at the tough Bay Hill. 

Straka’s form this season ranks him fifth for strokes gained approaching the green and seventh for tee to green. He has never turned up to the Masters with more confidence and can build on a solid record at Augusta National. Straka describes himself as comfortable around the Georgia course and three made cuts from three confirm this. Finishing 16th last year is a personal best and Straka can improve on this at generous odds of 50/1.