The Masters Tournament is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable among golf fans. As the major championship approaches, conversations have begun to revolve around who will emerge as the winner. And amidst all the speculations and predictions, CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis has made her picks public. However, her list has raised some eyebrows as it does not include the top two golfers, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
Balionis, a well-known sports journalist and host, has been covering golf for years and has a keen eye for the game. Her picks for the Masters have always been highly anticipated and have often been spot on. But this year, her choices have surprised many, especially with the exclusion of McIlroy and Scheffler.
McIlroy, a four-time major champion, has been a fan favorite for years and is considered one of the best golfers in the world. He has had a successful career, with multiple wins on the PGA Tour and European Tour. However, he has yet to win the Masters, and this year, he will be looking to complete his career Grand Slam by winning the coveted green jacket.
On the other hand, Scheffler is a rising star in the world of golf. The 24-year-old has been making waves on the PGA Tour, with multiple top-10 finishes and a win at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play earlier this year. He has also shown great form at the Masters, finishing tied for 19th in his debut appearance last year.
So, why did Balionis leave out these two top contenders from her list? Well, her picks for the Masters are based on a combination of current form, course history, and gut feeling. And in this case, she believes that there are other players who have a better chance of winning the green jacket this year.
Balionis’ top pick for the Masters is none other than Justin Thomas. The 27-year-old has been in excellent form this year, with a win at The Players Championship and multiple top-10 finishes. He also has a good track record at Augusta National, with a tied for 4th finish in 2019.
Another surprise pick from Balionis is Xander Schauffele. The 27-year-old has been consistent on the PGA Tour, with multiple top-10 finishes this year. He also has a good record at the Masters, finishing tied for 2nd in 2019 and tied for 17th last year.
Balionis’ other picks include Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Jordan Spieth. DeChambeau, the reigning U.S. Open champion, has been making headlines with his impressive distance off the tee. Rahm, currently ranked 3rd in the world, has been in good form this year, with a win at the Memorial Tournament. And Spieth, a former Masters champion, has shown signs of a comeback with a win at the Valero Texas Open last week.
While Balionis’ picks may have surprised some, it is important to remember that golf is a highly unpredictable sport. Anything can happen on any given day, and the Masters is known for its surprises and upsets. So, it is wise not to count out McIlroy and Scheffler just yet.
In fact, Balionis herself has acknowledged the talent and potential of these two golfers. She believes that McIlroy and Scheffler have what it takes to win the Masters, but their current form and course history may not be in their favor this year.
As the Masters approaches, the excitement and anticipation will only continue to grow. Fans will be eagerly waiting to see if Balionis’ picks will come true or if there will be another unexpected winner. But one thing is for sure, the Masters is always full of surprises, and this year will be no different.
So, let’s sit back, relax, and enjoy the game as it unfolds at Augusta National. And who knows, maybe we will witness a new champion being crowned, or perhaps McIlroy or Scheffler will prove Balionis wrong and emerge as the winner. Either way, it is going to be an exciting and unforgettable Masters Tournament.
