Masters 2023: Everything You Need to Know
- Last Updated on
Contents
The Masters is a “tradition unlike any other” and the favorite major for tons of golfers. There was a lot of hype heading into the Masters as it was the first time we’d seen LIV golfers and PGA Tour players paired together.
Despite LIV golfers not getting OWGR points in their new league, 18 players were still eligible to compete. Some of the most notable names from LIV included Cam Smith, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and others.
While the PGA Tour stars were ready as well including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Scottie Schefler, Jon Rahm and more. Some played amazing, others had a very forgettable week (we’re looking at you Rory).
There was some great drama, incredible rounds, and epic storylines in the 2023 Masters.
Let’s get into it…
Masters 2023 Recap
The first major of the year is always my favorite because Augusta National is more than just a golf course. It’s steeped in history, phones aren’t allowed (in 2023 this is still hard to believe), and it’s the first major of the year. Not to mention we get to hear Jim Nantz say, “A tradition unlike any other” several times a day.
Overall, I’d say the tournament didn’t disappoint as Augusta National looked as picturesque as ever. While Mother Nature played a role (like most years), even with horrendous weather (including a tree falling down) they were able to finish on Sunday afternoon.
Let’s start by reviewing the winner and payouts for the top 20 players.
Winner: Jon Rahm
First off, congratulations to Jon Rahm who has been on a tear in the last year and playing some incredible golf. It was his first green jacket and his second major championship after winning the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines. At only 28 years old his future looks bright and there’s no doubt he is one of the faces of the PGA Tour.
He was able to defeat Brooks Koepka on Sunday after shooting a final round 69 for a total -12 for the tournament. It seemed like the Golf Gods wanted Rahm to win as it happened on the 40th anniversary of his idol Seve Ballesteros second green jacket victory. Not to mention his mentor and fellow Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabel (another past champion) was able to congratulate him after the 18th hole.
So, how much did Jon Rahm win for the Masters? A staggering amount of money…
Total Purse, Payouts, and Leaderboard
The total Masters purse was $18 million (up from $15 million last year). Here’s the payouts for the top 10 golfers.
| Place | Score | Player | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
-12 |
Jon Rahm |
$3,240,000
|
|
T2 |
-8 |
Brooks Koepka |
$1,584,000 |
|
T2 |
-8 |
Phil Mickelson
|
$1,584,000 |
|
T4 |
-7 |
Jordan Spieth
|
$744,000
|
|
T4 |
-7 |
Russell Henley
|
$744,000 |
|
T4 |
-7 |
Patrick Reed |
$744,000
|
|
T7 |
-6 |
Victor Hovland
|
$603,000 |
|
T7 |
-6 |
Cameron Young
|
$603,000
|
|
9 |
-5 |
Sahith Theegala
|
$522,000 |
|
T10 |
-4 |
Four players
|
$432,000
|
Best Masters Rounds
There were some great rounds played in the 2023 Masters and wanted to highlight a few below.
Jon Rahm – 65 in Round 1
Jon came into the Masters playing great golf and made a statement on day one with an impressive 65. But what’s even more impressive is that he shot -7 after a double bogey on the first hole. Not only is a double bogey a tough way to start the Masters (or any round) he did with a 4-putt.
Despite the awful start he battled back and played the final 17 holes in nine under par, including an eagle on the 8th hole. That is the round of the tournament for me as most guys would crumble after a 4-putt on the first hole.
Related: 7 Mental Game Tips
Phil Mickelson – 65 Final Round
Phil has had a tough year after joining LIV golf and many wondered if his game would ever bounce back. Despite winning the 2021 PGA Championship at 50 years old, it’s been steadily declining ever since. But he proved the critics wrong with a heroic 65 on Sunday for his lowest round ever at the Masters.
That’s beyond impressive considering he is 52 years old and has played in 30 different Masters over the years. He had one bogey and eight birdies thanks to a great short game and finished T-2 with Brooks Koepka.
Sam Bennett – 68 in Rounds 1 & 2
Sam Bennet was one of the few amateurs in the field and didn’t disappoint. The first two days he fired a remarkable 68-68 while playing with the defending champion Scottie Schefler.
While he didn’t play as well on the weekend he still finished at -2 and a T16 finish. We also had a chance to learn more about his incredible story and hope we see him in a lot of majors in the future.
Surprising Finishes
While there was plenty to celebrate at the Masters there were a few rounds that I’m sure players would love to forget.
Rory McIlroy
Rory has been the voice of the PGA Tour since the LIV golf debate has begun but it might be wearing on him. He shot 72-77 to miss the cut and will have to wait another year to try and complete his career grand slam.
I think the pressure of being the face of the PGA Tour and the added pressure to win a green jacket was too much. But let’s not forget he’s still number three in the official world golf rankings.
Brooks Koepka
Sunday was set to be a showdown between two heavy hitters in the final group… Brooks vs. Jon… LIV vs. PGA. It was the showdown that the media and every fan wanted to watch. Unfortunately, we didn’t get much of a battle as Brooks shot a disappointing final round 75.
He had some huge misses left off the tee and didn’t birdie a hole until 13. This prompted a lot of jokes about LIV golfers only having the stamina to play 54 holes, not the full 72 required. Either way, it’s still good to see Brooks back and think he’ll do well in the other majors this year.
Jason Day
Jason has had a rough road the last few years due to back issues but has been playing solid golf to start the season. Unfortunately, he had an awful round of 80 on Sunday which was the highest score of the day.
Tiger Woods
Lastly, we can’t forget to talk about Tiger Woods. We only get to see him in major championships and a few other events at this point which is sad but better than nothing. Despite hobbling on a bad ankle Tiger miraculously made the cut on the number.
Unfortunately, his body broke down again and had to withdraw before the final holes on Sunday. But he can hold his head high as he made another cut to mark 23 in a row and tie Fred Couples and Gary Player.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Ryder Cup
Top Questions About the Masters
Do you have more questions about the 2023 Masters? If so, then keep reading.
Did Tiger Woods make the cut in the Masters?
Yes, Tiger defeated Father Time and his injured body to somehow make the cut on the number. He had to play in awful weather conditions which made it even more impressive. He’s now tied with two others for most Masters cuts made in a row (23).
How many LIV golfers made the cut?
There were a total of 18 LIV golfers to compete this year at Augusta and 12 made the cut. This is pretty impressive and seemed to silence some of the critics who don’t think LIV golf is “real golf.” While a LIV golfer didn’t win Brooks and Phil are both on the new circuit and tied for second with Patrick Reed in fourth place.
Who was the low amateur in the 2023 Masters?
Sam Bennett was the low amateur this year and played some incredible golf the first two days. Many thought he might even have a chance on the back nine come Sunday. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out like he wanted but still finished top 20 and was the only amateur to make the cut.
Wrapping Up
Overall I thought it was a great Masters tournament despite some rough weather. The course looked amazing as always and thought the changes to hole 13 were worth it. We also had some great storylines with Phil, Jon, Tiger, and the amateur Sam Bennett.
Unfortunately we didn’t have much drama on Sunday afternoon like the last few years. It was poised to be a great showdown between Jon and Brooks but Koepka simply had an off day.
Jon definitely deserved the win after a first round 65 (including his 4-putt double bogey on the first hole) and a worthy Masters champion. It was nice to focus on golf – not LIV drama – and watch the best players in the world take on Augusta National.
Now the question is, will Jon Rahm win another major this year? Will Rory bounce back? Will a LIV golfer win a major in 2023?
Only time will tell…
Is the Masters your favorite major of the year?
Let us know in the comments below.
Phil Grounds
Phil is an avid golfer, and the creator of The Golfers Gear. He’s been playing golf for 30 years, and is obsessed with improving his game and sharing his experience helping fellow golfers score better.
