Golf Experts Weigh In on Masters 2023 Winner

Curtis Strange and Scott Van Pelt offer differing predictions for the upcoming tournament

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:29am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a golf tournament, with sharp planes of emerald green, sky blue, and golden yellow conveying the dynamic energy and anticipation surrounding the event.Expert predictions offer a unique perspective on the dynamics and potential winners of the prestigious Masters golf tournament.Augusta Today

As the countdown to The Masters 2023 tournament begins, golf experts Curtis Strange and Scott Van Pelt have shared their predictions for the winner. Strange believes Xander Schauffele will take home the coveted Green Jacket, while Van Pelt sees Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Reed, and Justin Rose as potential champions. The experts highlight the wide-open field and array of talented golfers vying for the title, making this year's Masters particularly intriguing.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments, and expert predictions offer valuable insights into the potential winners and the dynamics of the competition. These predictions not only generate excitement and discussion among fans but also provide a glimpse into the analytical minds of seasoned golf analysts.

The details

Curtis Strange, a two-time US Open champion, has made a bold prediction that Xander Schauffele will win the 2023 Masters. Strange believes Schauffele, who has been in impressive form leading up to the tournament, has the complete game to add the Masters title to his resume. However, Scott Van Pelt of ESPN has a different take, not willing to overlook the world number one, Scottie Scheffler, despite his recent break from competitive action. Van Pelt also names Patrick Reed and Justin Rose as potential dark horses, citing their past successes and impressive form.

  • The Masters 2023 tournament is scheduled to take place in April 2023.

The players

Curtis Strange

A two-time US Open champion and golf analyst who has made a bold prediction for the 2023 Masters winner.

Xander Schauffele

A professional golfer who has been in impressive form leading up to the 2023 Masters, according to Curtis Strange.

Scottie Scheffler

The current world number one golfer, who is seen as a potential champion for the 2023 Masters by Scott Van Pelt.

Patrick Reed

A professional golfer who is considered a potential dark horse for the 2023 Masters by Scott Van Pelt.

Justin Rose

A past Masters champion who is also seen as a potential dark horse for the 2023 tournament by Scott Van Pelt.

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What they’re saying

“I think he is hungry to play well here. He has got the complete game, of course, and to add this to his resume should be terrific.”

— Curtis Strange, Golf Analyst

“I feel like Reed and Rose are a couple of guys who I expect to play well. They have great form and an incredible workout resume.”

— Scott Van Pelt, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

As the 2023 Masters tournament approaches, golf fans and analysts will continue to closely follow the players' performances and form, with the anticipation of seeing who will ultimately claim the coveted Green Jacket.

The takeaway

The expert predictions for the 2023 Masters showcase the depth of talent and the wide-open nature of the tournament, with a mix of established stars and rising talents vying for the title. These predictions not only generate excitement but also provide valuable insights into the analytical minds of seasoned golf analysts, offering a glimpse into the factors they consider when assessing the potential champions.