Augusta National hosts the 89th edition of the Masters Tournament, with excitement ramping up ahead of the first Major Championship of the season this week.
As one of golf's leading data analysts, long-time DP World Tour member Edoardo Molinari will be among the many intrigued by how it all unfolds.
With 30 DP World Tour members - some of whom the Italian works with directly to provide next-level numbers insights - set to tee it up, a data-driven approach is likely to influence players' decisions.
Here, Europe’s Ryder Cup Vice Captain Molinari gives us his perspective on the key dynamics a player faces at Augusta National, who he thinks will mount title challenges and offers his insight into golf's most famous stretch of holes - Amen Corner.
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How to win
I think there are three keys to win at Augusta: Approach play from 150 to 200 yards; chipping from the fairway and mid-range putting (between 15 and 30 feet).
Strategy is extremely important and that’s a big reason why guys that have great course management seem to often play well there.
They are the best in the world not only at hitting the shots but also at missing in the correct spots, depending where the pin is.
Players tipped to win the Green Jacket
There are four players I really like heading into the Masters this year.
Rory McIlroy
Rory has had one of the best starts to a season in his career. He will face a lot of pressure at Augusta as he tries to complete the career Grand Slam, but at the same time he is probably used to it by now. He looks to be playing a different style of golf this year, much less aggressive into the greens and picking his opportunities in a much smarter way. He is also driving the ball as good as he has in the last five years.
Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy is historically one of the best iron players in the world and one of the most consistent players too. He has enjoyed a very solid start to the season and he could certainly notch his first Major win at Augusta.
Ludvig Åberg
Last year, he finished second in his Masters debut. He’s already won this year on the PGA TOUR and his approach play has improved a lot in the last two years. He hasn’t been putting great so far this year but should he find a good week on the greens he could be very dangerous.
Thomas Detry
Of all the rookies, who very rarely are in contention on Sunday because of how important experience is around Augusta, Detry could make a big impression. He has finished inside the top 15 in the last three Majors he has played. He won on the PGA TOUR in February and he’s got the distance off the tee and the height on his irons that are certainly very helpful around Augusta.
If this course could talk. #themasters pic.twitter.com/hEXVmhYYKN
— The Masters (@TheMasters) March 17, 2025
The strategy on Amen Corner
Hole 11: Par 4, 520 yards - White Dogwood
The 11th usually plays as one of the most difficult holes at Augusta. In recent years they added a steeper run off to the right of the green where players get up and down less than 50% of the time. The green slopes severely from right to left and it’s a long hole, so anyone will be very happy walking away with a four.
Hole 12: Par 3, 155 yards - Golden Bell
The 12th hole is one of the best par threes in the world. When the pin is on the left side of the green (usually on Saturday) players can be aggressive and if it’s not windy the hole plays under par. However, come Sunday the pin will be in the right corner of the green and any ball landing short or right is going to be in the water. Players will aim over the middle bunker and anyone that hits it inside 30 feet clearly pushed his tee-shot.
Hole 13: Par 5, 545 yards - Azalea
The 13th hole is one of the highest risk and reward holes at Augusta. Anything can happen there and the new tee that was recently built makes the second shot much tougher than it used to be. Not many will go for this green with a fairway wood and in order to have an iron to the green you really have to hug the left side off the tee and get close to the creek and the trees. This hole usually plays a pivotal role on Sunday as there can easily be two to three shot swings.
