pga tour courses the public can play

Masters Tournament

Augusta National Golf Club

A HISTORY OF EVERY HOLE AT AUGUSTA

EVERY HOLE AT AUGUSTA

Places to Play

PGA Tour stops in each state you can play

Unlike other professional sports where the fields of play are reserved for competitors only, many of professional golf’s annual stops are open to the public. There is a certain intrigue to playing the same courses that the best players in the world tackle—trying to replicate the shots that produced dramatic triumphs on the biggest stage.

During its 2021-22 season, the PGA Tour will travel to private and public tracks across 22 different states. This collection includes the 21 courses across nine states that will host a PGA Tour event this season and are open for public play.

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium)

Even after the WMPO is complete, the facility leaves up the giant grandstands surrounding the par-3 16th, so public golfers can get a taste of the experience—minus the 20,000 rowdy fans. The Stadium course features challenging greens and culminates with a memorable finishing stretch.

>> READ OUR FULL COURSE REVIEW

California:

Silverado resort and spa (north).

Situated in the heart of the Wine Country, the North course at Silverado Resort and Spa annually hosts the PGA Tour’s Fortinet Championship, which kicked off the tour’s 2021-22 schedule. Stay at the resort for the opportunity to play this Johnny Miller-redesigned track that features narrow, oak-lined fairways.

PGA West (Stadium)

John Henebry

Annually hosting a PGA Tour event in January, the Stadium course is known for its risk-reward challenges, plus the massive 18-foot high bunker on the par-5 16th hole as well as the island-green par-3 17th hole.

PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament)

The Nicklaus Tournament course at PGA West is part of the annual rotation of courses for the PGA Tour event. The Nicklaus-designed layout is forgiving off the tee, demands precise approach shots and features two island greens.

Torrey Pines (South)

Ranked No. 42 on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, the South course is home to eight of Tiger Woods’ career wins on the PGA Tour, including the 2008 U.S. Open, his 14th major victory. Perhaps best known for the dramatic finishes in its two U.S. Opens (2008 and 2021), the South course annually hosts the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open.

Torrey Pines (North)

Mark Degnan

The North course at Torrey Pines is used (along with the South) during the first two rounds of the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open. Renovated in 2016 by Tom Weiskopf, the North is more playable than the South but offers equally (if not superior) scenic ocean views.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Photo by Joann Dost

Perhaps the greatest meeting of land and sea, Pebble Beach has been No. 1 on Golf Digest’s ranking of America’s best public courses since the inception of our public list in 2000. In addition to the annual PGA Tour stop, Pebble Beach is slated to host numerous USGA championships in the coming decades, including the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open and 2027 U.S. Open.

Spyglass Hill

Evan Schiller

Inside the top 10 of our public ranking, Spyglass Hill is one of three courses in the rotation for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Weaving through the majestic Monterey pines through the middle of the round, and the giant sand dunes on the first five holes, Spyglass Hill—ranked No. 51 on our latest ranking of America’s 100 Greatest—might be Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s best work.

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood)

Since 2020, the Old Greenwood course at Tahoe Mountain Club has hosted the Barracuda Championship on the PGA Tour. This Jack Nicklaus design plays among 600 acres of towering pines in the High Sierras.

PGA National (Champion)

PGA National Resort

Routinely one of the toughest courses on tour, The Champion course at PGA National is home to The Bear Trap—the demanding three-hole stretch (Nos. 15-17) that requires precise iron play. With wind often playing a factor and water lurking on many holes, The Champion is a true ball-striking test.

Bay Hill Club and Lodge

There’s no shortage of history at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge—with its ties to Mr. Palmer and Woods’ eight wins at the annual PGA Tour stop. Stay at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge and you can play the Champion and Challenger nines, where the Arnold Palmer Invitational is played. It offers a stern test with deep rough and imposing lakes lurking.

TPC Sawgrass (Stadium)

Home to The Players, one of professional golf’s premier events, the Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass boasts one of the most recognizable par 3s in the world at the island-green 17th.

Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead)

Courtesy of Innisbrook Resort

Innisbrook’s Copperhead course, the host of the Valspar Championship, offers a unique taste of Florida golf with its tight, tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain. The course is a tough ball-striking challenge with a demanding three-hole finish—known as the Snake Pit—that often makes for dramatic finishes to the annual PGA Tour stop.

Sea Island Resort (Seaside)

Stephen Szurlej

Ranked No. 36 on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, the Seaside course at Sea Island Resort hosts a PGA Tour event in the fall. The layout plays along the Atlantic Ocean and features large clamshell bunkers and exposed sand dunes off many fairways.

Sea Island Resort (Plantation)

The Plantation course was recently redesigned by Sea Island resident Davis Love III and his brother, Mark, recapturing the traditional profile of Walter Travis’ 1928 original nine-hole course. The drivable par-4 10th features a green guarded by water and a landing area protected by a principal-nose bunker.

Kapalua (Plantation)

Courtesy of Dave Sansom

Each year, Kapalua’s Plantation course kicks off the PGA Tour’s calendar-year schedule with its wide, dramatic fairways and stunning views. The Plantation course is ranked No. 23 on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses and closes with a 663-yard par 5 that is the longest finishing hole on any Golf Digest nationally ranked course.

TPC Deere Run

The site of Jordan Spieth’s first PGA Tour win, TPC Deere Run annually hosts the John Deere Classic. Located in the Quad Cities just over two hours from Chicago, the course was built on the site of a former Arabian horse farm and plays along a rolling landscape.

TPC Louisiana

Photo by Dick Durrance II/PGA

As home of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans since 2007, this championship golf course has been described as “Sawgrass on steroids.” Designed by Pete Dye and influenced by PGA Tour professionals Steve Elkington and Kelly Gibson, this 7,400 yard par-72 offers a challenging mix of fast greens, hidden bunkers, large cypress trees and water.

South Carolina:

Harbour town golf links.

The Sea Pines Resort/Rob Tipton

Known for the red-and-white-striped lighthouse behind the 18th green and for hosting the RBC Heritage the week after the Masters, Harbour Town demands accuracy with narrow, tree-lined fairways and small greens. Ranked No. 25 on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, this Pete Dye design plays mostly inland before 17 and 18 emerge with views of Calibogue Sound.

Memorial Park Golf Course

Keyur Khamar

A significant renovation was completed by Tom Doak (in collaboration with Brooks Koepka) to transform the old municipal course at Memorial Park into a layout worthy of being a PGA Tour venue. The revitalized course, now armed with Doak signature green complexes, has hosted the Houston Open since 2020.

TPC San Antonio (Oaks)

Host of the Valero Texas Open, the Oaks course at TPC San Antonio is Golf Digest’s top-ranked public course in the Lone Star State. The Greg Norman design (with an assist from Sergio Garcia) tips out at 7,435 yards and incorporates some rocky terrain and native grasses nicely in the routing.

Every PGA Tour course YOU can play, ranked by price

W ith PGA Tour heading to a municipal golf course this week in Memorial Park for the Houston Open , it marks one of the cool times you can play the same shots the pros play.

But, it’s really not that rare of an occurrence.

While the 2002 U.S. Open was celebrated as “the People’s U.S. Open” for being played at a municipal golf course, Bethpage Black, for the first time, the PGA Tour has actually been playing at munis and public access courses for decades.

Last week’s Valspar Championship host, Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead course, is public. So too is TPC Sawgrass, home of the Players Championship, although it may cost a pretty penny . With a stay at the famous Bay Hill Lodge, you can also secure a tee time at host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Even two of this year’s major championship hosts are open to the public.

In fact, of the 39 events on the PGA Tour this season, 20 of them will be contested on 23 different golf courses that you can play.

But playing PGA Tour tracks doesn’t come cheap with greens fees at some courses surpassing $500 while many of the resorts require you to stay on the property.

Keep reading below for a list of all the PGA Tour’s public access courses for the 2024 season, ranked by greens fee.

PGA Tour public-access courses

1. memorial park golf course.

City: Houston, Texas.

Tournament: Texas Children’s Houston Open

Type: Municipal

Peak Green fee: $140

2. TPC San Antonio – Oaks

City: San Antonio, Texas.

Tournament: Valero Texas Open

Type: Resort

Peak Green fee: $149

3. Torrey Pines – North

City: San Diego, Calif.

Tournament: Farmers Insurance Open

Peak Green fee: $185

4. Grand Reserve Golf Club

City: Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Tournament: Puerto Rico Open

Peak Green fee: $225 + tax

5. Innisbrook – Copperhead

City: Palm Harbor, Fla.

Tournament: Valspar Championship

Peak Green fee: Stay and play packages starting at $465

6. TPC Deere Run

City: Silvis, Ill.

Tournament: John Deere Classic

Type: Public

Peak Green fee: $269

7. Vidanta Vallarta

City: Vallarta, Mexico

Tournament: Mexico Open at Vidanta

Peak Green fee: $270

8. Tahoe Mountain Club – Olde Greenwood

City: Truckee, Calif.

Tournament: Barracuda Championship

Type: Resort/semi-private

Peak Green fee: $275

9. Torrey Pines – South

Peak Green fee: $292

10. TPC Louisiana

City:  Avondale, Louisiana

Tournament: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Peak Green fee: $299

11. PGA National – Champion

City: Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Tournament: Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches

Peak Green fee: $347

12. PGA West – Dye Stadium Course

City: La Quinta, Calif.

Tournament: The American Express

Peak Green fee: $356

13. PGA West – Nicklaus Tournament Course

Peak Green fee: $399

14. Royal Troon

City: Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland

Tournament: 152nd Open Championship

Type: Private (Allows vistors)

Peak Green fee: £340

15. The Plantation Course at Kapalua

City: Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii

Tournament: The Sentry

Peak Green fee: $459 + tax

16. Pinehurst No. 2

City: Pinehurst, N.C.

Tournament: 124th U.S. Open

Peak Green fee: $470

17. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge

City: Orlando, Fla.

Tournament: Arnold Palmer Invitational

Peak Green fee: $475

T18. Spyglass Hill Golf Course

City: Pebble Beach, Calif.

Tournament: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Peak Green fee: $495 + cart fee

T18. Puntacana Resort and Club – Corales Course

City: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Tournament: Corales Puntacana Championship

Peak Green fee: $495

20. TPC Scottsdale

City: Scottsdale, Ariz.

Tournament: WM Phoenix Open

Peak Green fee: $551

21. Habour Town Golf Links

City: Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Tournament: RBC Heritage

Peak Green fee: $567

22. Pebble Beach Golf Links

Peak Green fee: $675 + cart fee

23. TPC Sawgrass

City: Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Tournament: The Players Championship

Peak Green fee: $900

The post Every PGA Tour course YOU can play, ranked by price appeared first on Golf .

Can Anyone Play a TPC Course? An Insider‘s Guide to Accessing PGA Tour Conditions

Dreaming of teeing it up on the same PGA Tour-caliber courses as the pros? As a passionate golfer myself, I’ve done extensive research into how an amateur can experience TPC courses in all their glory. While many top-tier golf facilities are exclusively private, TPC prides itself on championship courses built for tour players yet accessible to the public in limited capacity.

In this definitive guide, I’ll share insider tips on everything you need to know to play a TPC course as a member of the public or resort guest. You’ll learn about the origins of the TPC network, costs and process for booking a tee time, and what you can expect from a TPC facility compared to a normal country club. While a round at TPC carries a hefty price tag, I’ll also analyze whether that elevated experience on hallowed ground trodden by the game‘s greats makes it worth splurging once in your lifetime.

Let’s dig into how you too can experience the PGA Tour-level conditions that challenge the best players in the world!

The Genesis of TPC’s Dual Mission

The Tournament Players Club or “TPC” brand represents a network of 34 premier private and public golf courses affiliated with the PGA Tour. But TPC wasn’t always synonymous with the touring pros.

When Commissioner Deane Beman took over the PGA Tour in 1974, he envisioned creating a Tour-operated collection of golf courses tailored specifically to host tournaments, year after year. After all, who better to design competitive, fair tests of golf than the players themselves?

Beman approached legendary course architects Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus to build the first TPC facilities, beginning with TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. His goal was crafting courses with consistent championship quality standards and conditions. But Beman also insisted that TPC layouts remain fun and engaging tests for the average golfer, not just pros.

"The TPC is one of the great innovations in the modern game of golf. It made access to tour-level conditions available to the public and tour players alike." – Tim Finchem, Former PGA Tour Commissioner

This dual access mission was trailblazing in golf at the time. Early TPC courses broke the mold of the exclusive, ultra-private country clubs that hosted previous tournaments. With high-quality TPC designs open for public play, everyday golfers could experience the same standards expected on the PGA Tour.

By the Numbers: How TPC Courses Compare

Today, the TPC network is comprised of 34 elegant golf courses located across the United States, with two additional facilities in China. About half of TPC properties are fully private country clubs, while the remainder offer public booking or resort guest access.

Here’s a numerical breakdown of some key facts and figures about TPC courses:

• 36 total TPC-affiliated facilities worldwide
• 18 TPC courses accessible for public or resort guest play
• Over 280+ tournaments hosted by TPCs since inception
• $250-$550 public green fee range for most TPC courses
• Nearly 7,400 yards average course yardage
• Typical course par of 72 at TPC layouts
• Average course rating of 75.7 and slope of 154 from back tees

To put that in perspective, your run-of-the-mill public course plays to a par of 72 and around 6,800 yards. The immaculate conditions and pro-level length make TPC one of the toughest tests in golf.

But the network offers much more than just length. Let’s examine some of the most iconic TPC courses open for public play and what they offer.

Famous Public-Accessible TPC Courses

While the TPC brand includes private jewels like the exclusive TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, several of its most acclaimed layouts openly welcome public players:

TPC Sawgrass – Home of the Tour’s Headquarters

As the first Stadium course, Pete Dye’s ingenious Sawgrass design put TPC on the map back in 1982. The bold island green 17th instantly became iconic. Judge for yourself if you can hit that tiny putting surface while surrounded by water! Sawgrass sports public rates from $400-$525 depending on season.

Course Stats:

• 7,189 yards , par 72
• Slope 155, Rating 79.6 from tips
• 17th Hole: 137 yards to island green

TPC Scottsdale – The Rowdy Stadium Course

Arguably the Tour’s most raucous venue with its par-3 16th stadium hole, TPC Scottsdale offers public play on both the Stadium and Champions Course. Waste Management Phoenix Open fans can experience the course first-hand for public rates of $200-$350.

Stadium Course Stats:

• 7,261 yards , par 71
• Slope 153, Rating 75.7 from tips
• 16th Hole: 163 yards fully enclosed arena

TPC Las Vegas – A Desert Oasis

Carved through arid foothills just off the Vegas Strip, TPC Las Vegas presents a demanding test in the dry desert air. Play where the stars compete during the Shriners Children‘s Open from just $79-$349 depending on public demand.

• 7,255 yards , par 71
• Slope 155, Rating 75.4 from tips
• 17th Hole: Island green with nightclub views

TPC Boston – A Gil Hanse Redesign

Reimagined in 2007 by architect Gil Hanse, the acclaimed TPC Boston layout offers a stern but playable challenge. The course hosts the Dell Technologies Championship for public rates ranging from $160-$375.

• 7,342 yards , par 71
• Slope 152, Rating 74.9 from tips
• 18th Hole: 560-yard par 5 and a great risk/reward closing hole

Beyond these heavy-hitters, other touring pros have also lent their design talents to creating compelling tests of golf for TPC courses open to the public:

TPC Kuala Lumpur – Former Masters champ Ian Woosnam crafted this Malaysia course that has hosted the PGA Tour’s CIMB Classic since 2010.

TPC San Antonio – Texan Open venue molded by Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia with vibrant stone quarry views.

TPC Deere Run – Home of the John Deere Classic designed by ex-champ DA Weibring with a downhill par-5 finishing hole.

No matter which architects crafted them, TPC facilities share a common dedication to excellence. Let‘s examine why Tour-quality conditions cost a pretty penny.

Paying For PGA Tour-Caliber Perfection

Accessing TPC courses comes at a premium price point due to the meticulous year-round care and maintenance required. While a normal public course budget might run to $10,000 a week for course upkeep, TPC facilities spend upwards of $25,000 per week to retain their pristine tournament shape.

What exactly does that additional expense provide?

Greens running at tour speed – Stimpmeter readings of 12 or higher, versus 10-11 at most public courses

Pinpoint bunker edging – Meticulously raked and edged by hand daily

Dense rough – Cut to 3-4 inches compared to 1-2 inches at daily-fee courses

Precise green slopes – Allowing for challenging but fair pin placements

High-tech drainage – Preventing muddy conditions after rain or overwatering

Tour-quality practice facilities – Like fully stocked short game areas and tour pro-length driving ranges

Simply put, TPC courses live up to the PGA Tour hype. Expect nothing short of perfect course conditions. Legendary architect Pete Dye once said of TPC Sawgrass:

"It‘s right there in front of you. The trick is holding yourself together."

His designs dare you to play exceptional golf. Staying composed is tough even for seasoned touring pros, given the relentless challenges that TPC layouts present.

Speaking of challenges, one of the biggest for public players is getting a tee time before they sell out!

Booking Your TPC Tee Time

As you might expect, landing a tee time at a TPC course takes a bit more effort than just walking up to the pro shop. But with some planning and flexibility, playing a TPC as a member of the public is quite achievable. Here are some best practices:

• Book early – Ideally 9-12 months out if targeting a specific date/time
• Call the pro shop – Don‘t rely only on online tee sheets which may have limited visibility
• Consider replays – Twilight tee times late in the day often have more availability
• Watch for new openings – Spots sometimes free up last-minute due to cancellations
• Maximize flexibility – Widening your date range increases chances of booking

As with any coveted experience, you‘ll boost your odds significantly by planning ahead and staying persistent. The pro shop staff wants enthusiastic golfers to play and enjoy their course. With patience and an open calendar, you can likely land your spot. Expect that prime weekend morning tee times may require extensive planning, especially at flagship TPCs like Sawgrass.

If visiting during the peak season from March-August, calling 6-12 months ahead is wise. Off-season and replay times just a few weeks out may offer better luck. Once you’ve secured your tee time, slow down and savor the process of prepping for your big day!

Gearing Up For Your TPC Round

You’ve booked your tee time and the big day is fast approaching. Assuming this is your first time playing at a TPC facility, how can you make the most of this special experience? Here are my tips as a TPC regular:

Brush Up on Etiquette

While TPC welcomes golfers of all skill levels, make sure to brush up on course etiquette expectations:

• Dress code – Collared shirt, no jeans. Shorts should be Bermuda length.
• Pace of play – Keep up with the group ahead to avoid rushed play.
• Course care – Bunkers raked, divots replaced, ball marks fixed.
• Safety – No wild practice swings or club tossing.
• Noise – Keep shouts and music to a minimum.
• Phones – Silenced with minimal loose use on the course.

Staff and marshals strictly enforce decorum to ensure a quality experience for all.

Book a Caddie in Advance

Walk and talk strategy with your own personal caddie, just like the pros! Caddies average $90/bag plus $40+ tip per player. Guarantee your loop by reserving well ahead of time. A savvy caddie provides hugely valuable course management, lines off the tee, and green reading.

Manage Your Expectations

Don‘t get discouraged if you don‘t play your best round. TPC difficulty can shock first-timers used to breezy public courses. Focus instead on enjoying the tour-quality conditions and iconic holes. Take photos on famous spots like the island 17th at Sawgrass!

Most importantly, remember you‘ve achieved the dream of playing a TPC course! Now that you know what that entails, does the lofty pricing feel justified?

Is the Price of Admission Worth It?

Every golfer has a different budget and personal definition of value. But given TPC’s premium green fees often starting around $300, do the costs outweigh the benefits of playing there? Let‘s break down the pros and cons:

Why It‘s Worth It

• Your dream round at a legendary course
• Once-in-a-lifetime bragging rights
• Walking where the greats have played
• Testing your skills on a true Tour-level challenge
• Marveling at the immaculate conditions
• Taking photos on a recognizable hole

The Case Against

• Sticker shock over $400+ for one round
• Potential for the course to play "too hard"
• Limited availability for public tee times
• Pressure to play perfectly ruins the fun
• Extra travel costs to TPC locations

As you weigh your decision, also remember that costs at TPC come all-inclusive. Your green fee covers:

• Cart, forecaddies, and range balls
• Food and drink discounts at on-site restaurants
• Access to top-notch clubhouse amenities and locker rooms

When seen as an overall golf experience instead of just a round of golf, the value of playing a TPC becomes clearer. Personally, I find nothing beats the thrill of measuring my skills on the same beastly tracks that tour stars have mastered. But your mileage may vary!

Suffice to say, playing a TPC course represents the pinnacle of golfing excess. And yet, countless public golfers eagerly pony up every year for the privilege. If elite golf is your passion, the splurge proves worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Experience Awaits

Accessing a TPC course as an everyday golfer provides a wholly unique opportunity. By putting the same standards of excellence once reserved for touring professionals within public reach, visionaries like Pete Dye and Deane Beman brought prestige golf to the masses.

Make no mistake, TPC rounds demand greater planning and deeper pockets. But the chance to walk hallowed grounds in the footsteps of legends, card in hand and caddie by your side, delivers memories no memento can match.

If you possess the means and passion, playing a TPC course offers an experiential delight for the golfing bucket list. Just don‘t be shocked when you quickly get addicted to the Tour-quality conditions! TPC gladly welcomes anyone eager to test their skills on championship greens rolled to wicked speeds.

See if you can tame the same courses that humble the pros. Booking your dream TPC tee time marks the first step toward an epic golfing adventure. Let the memorable journey begin!

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Welcome to TPC Sawgrass

Home of the players championship, 36 holes of championship golf, exceptional dining, open to the public, expert instruction at the performance center, host your wedding or event.

Experience tournament-like conditions at TPC Sawgrass, Home of THE PLAYERS Championship!

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TPC Sawgrass welcomes corporate outings, charity events, and golf groups of all sizes to experience world-class golf on two championship courses – both designed by the legendary, Pete Dye.

Corporate & Social Events >

Located just a short drive from Jacksonville International Airport, the Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass hosts numerous corporate, charitable, and social events. No matter the occasion, TPC Sawgrass will create an unforgettable experience.

TPC Sawgrass specializes in creating memorable weddings and events - from small, intimate rehearsal dinners to wedding ceremonies and lavish receptions.

Remarkable Golf is Just the Beginning

Welcome to TPC Sawgrass – Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, birthplace of the TPC Network and backdrop to the PGA TOUR’s Global Home. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, TPC Sawgrass features two PGA TOUR championship courses designed by world renowned architect, Pete Dye.

THE PLAYERS Stadium course sports one of the most recognizable and challenging holes on the PGA TOUR with the Par 3, 17 th, and its famous island green. The course was built to challenge Tour Professionals like no other golf course had done before, while providing an unprecedented experience for spectators.

The Dye’s Valley course offers a perfectly balanced golf experience winding through North Florida’s naturally compelling landscape. Opened in 1987, Dye’s Valley has hosted numerous Korn Ferry events and is consistently rated as one of the top courses in Florida.

Tom Watson hopes players ‘do something’ and mend the PGA Tour-LIV Golf split

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The professional golf world is bumping along down two separate paths, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf , and those have converged at the Masters .

This is the first time since last year’s U.S. Open that all of the game’s best players have convened to compete against each other.

Noticing that, two-time Masters winner Tom Watson felt the urge to say something about it this week at the annual Champions Dinner, which was honoring defending champion Jon Rahm , who since has defected to the LIV tour.

“We were sitting down and we were having great stories about [late Masters champion] Seve Ballesteros and people were laughing and talking,” Watson said Thursday, after opening tee times were pushed back an hour for inclement weather.

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April 11, 2024

Watson and fellow legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player participated in the traditional start to the tournament, hitting their ceremonial tee shots on No. 1.

At the dinner on Tuesday night, Watson wanted to say a few words, so he asked Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley if that would be OK. Ridley said, “Please do.”

“I got up and said, ‘I’m looking around the room, and I’m seeing just a wonderful experience everyone is having,’” Watson said. “They are jovial. They are having a great time. They are laughing. I said, ‘Ain’t it good to be together again?’

“And there was kind of a pall from the joviality and it quieted down… In a sense, I hope that the players themselves took that to say, ‘You know, we do have to do something.’”

Watson said Thursday that golf has been “fractured” by the two competing tours fighting over the best players in the game.

There are 13 LIV players competing in this year’s Masters, including Rahm; Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka , who tied for second in last year’s tournament; and Patrick Reed , who finished fourth.

“We want to get together like we were at the Champions Dinner, happy, the best players playing against each other,” said Watson, flanked at a news conference by Nicklaus and Player. “The bottom line, that’s what we want in professional golf, and right now we don’t have it.”

Of the many issues that need to be resolved, sorting out who is invited to the Masters is a big one. Players who defect for LIV cannot play in PGA Tour events. They can compete in the Masters and the other three major championships if they qualify.

One of those ways to qualify involves their world ranking, but players don’t receive Official World Golf Ranking points for LIV events. So the field of LIV golfers in the Masters could dwindle by the year.

That means even fewer chances for the world’s best players to compete against each other.

“There’s a lot of people a lot smarter than me that could figure this out in a much more efficient way,” Rahm said. “But the obvious answer is that there’s got to be a way for certain players in whatever tour to be able to earn their way in.”

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April 10, 2024

Ridley noted that because the Masters is an invitational event, the tournament has the leeway to invite players who might not otherwise qualify, as is the case with some up-and-coming international golfers.

“If we felt there were a player or players, whether they played on the LIV tour or any other tour, who were deserving of an invitation to the Masters,” he said, “we would exercise that discretion with regard to special invitations.”

By late Thursday afternoon, Bryson DeChambeau was leading the tournament at seven under par. He’s a LIV golfer. This isn’t going away.

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2024 Masters picks, odds: Expert predictions, favorites to win from Augusta National betting field

Who will win the 88th masters our experts dive into all the twists and turns of the year's greatest major.

With the 88th Masters fast approaching, the key question everyone's asking is the same across the golf world: Who are you picking to win this year at Augusta National? With an extraordinary field featuring the best professionals and many of the top amateurs in the world, the first major championship of 2024 should be an epic ride from Thursday's first round through the awarding of the green jacket early Sunday evening.

While the Masters field is stacked, the last two champions -- Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm -- are riding momentum into the tournament. Rahm is seeking to become the first golfer to win consecutive green jackets since Tiger Woods, while Scheffler's blistering play has him standing as the clear favorite to win twice at Augusta National in a three-year span. Unlike two years ago when there were no single-digit favorites entering the Masters, Scheffler holds that distinction at 9/2.

Rahm and Rory McIlroy follow at 11-1 with the latter still seeking his first green jacket. Should he achieve it, the long-desired career grand slam would finally be complete for McIlroy.

There are plenty of golfers behind them who will surely be in contention, including Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland, all of whom are among the top players on the odds board. Check out the full slate of Round 1 tee times and groupings scheduled for the Masters on Thursday, and plan your day with our Masters TV schedule and coverage guide .

Round 1 has seen a delayed start due to inclement weather, but you can follow live updates in our 2024 Masters leaderboard and coverage center.

And then there's the duo of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the former making the cut the last two years only for his body to fail him entering the weekend. Tiger stands at 140-0 entering the Masters, while Mickelson (despite playing more frequently) is 200-1. 

So, what is going to happen at Augusta National this week? Let's take a look at a full set of predictions and picks from our CBS Sports experts as we attempt to project who will win -- and what will happen -- at the most prestigious golf tournament in the world. 

Watch all four rounds of the 2024 Masters starting Thursday with  Masters Live  as we follow the best golfers in the world through Augusta National with  Featured Groups , check in at the famed  Amen Corner  and see leaders round the turn on  holes 15 & 16 . Watch live on  CBSSports.com , the  CBS Sports app  and  Paramount+ .

2024 Masters expert picks, predictions

Kyle Porter, senior golf writer

Winner -- Scottie Scheffler (4-1): I tried as hard as I could to pick somebody other than Scheffler, but after listening to Viktor Hovland talk about how disciplined a player needs to be with his irons and where he misses -- and then combining that with the outrageous level at which Scheffler is playing (again, he's at 3.2 strokes gained tee to green per round this year while only one other golfer is over 2.0) -- it sure does seem like Scheffler will get a second green jacket.

Sleeper -- Cameron Young (50-1): There are a lot of golfers in the 45-1 to 60-1 range that I love, including Sahith Theegala, Russell Henley, Si Woo Kim and Shane Lowry. But I love Young the most. Why? He's playing good golf (he narrowly lost the Valspar Championship and is fifth in the world in ball striking this year) and has been awesome at major championships, including a top 10 at Augusta last year.

Top 10 lock -- Hideki Matsuyama: Matsuyama's history at Augusta National is underrated. He has not missed a cut since 2014, has four consecutive top 20s and is playing as well as anyone in the world this year not named "Scheffler." He's flying in under the radar and is the best top 10 value in the field. 

Star who definitely won't win -- Jon Rahm: It's difficult to go back to back at any major, much less a Masters, where there are extraordinary responsibilities for a defending champion. Rahm's vibe on Tuesday was not exactly jubilant, either; he had to field questions about the Official World Golf Rankings, his move to LIV Golf and whether he thought that move was going to bring LIV and the PGA Tour back together. There was something a bit ... off with him, and I don't think that's going to translate very well in his title defense. That said ... I put him in this space last year, and he proved me wrong.

Scottie Scheffler vs. Jon Rahm: Scheffler by a mile. He has lost to one golfer in his last three events, and for all the reasons outlined above, Rahm's disposition is a bit of a concern for me right now. 

Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson: Mickelson, but it's close. This one is difficult. Tiger is apparently hitting the golf ball well, but I can't trust that he's going to finish the tournament given he's only completed one major since the 2020 PGA Championship.

Surprise prediction -- Par is good: In recent years, despite course changes, scoring has been probably easier than many of us would prefer. For the first time in tournament history, double digits under par has won this event six years in a row. The golf course is apparently firmer this year -- Xander Schauffele talked about balls "tomahawking" over greens earlier in the week -- which means that if you shoot four 72s, you should actually be in a decent spot.  

Lowest round: 66 (-6) Winning score: 280 (-8) Winner's Sunday score: 70 (-2)

Patrick McDonald, golf writer

Winner -- Xander Schauffele (16-1): I've done the mental gymnastics and concluded that losing Tthe Players Championship was the best thing to happen to Schauffele's Masters chances. His new swing was put under the microscope at TPC Sawgrass, and we identified what his misses were when under the gun. That experience should pay dividends this week as he has statistically been the second-best player in the world this season and has plenty of history around Augusta National with a couple of close calls. 

Sleeper -- Chris Kirk (200-1): We have seen a number of Masters winners find success at Kapalua (just look at Rahm last year), and Kirk could follow suit. The Georgia Bulldog's numbers since his win in the season opener don't jump off the page, but they remain sound. He's driving the ball as well as ever and his short game is vastly underrated. He will need his iron play to return to peak levels, but it's not out of the realm of possibilities for the man who finished T23 in last year's Masters.

Top 10 lock -- Scottie Scheffler: There's no need to overthink this. Scheffler is the best player in the world by a wide margin and should have a realistic chance come Sunday to slip on his second green jacket. He got absolutely nothing out of his putter at Augusta National last year and still finished in a share for 10th. That same tee-to-green prowess should show up, and if a slightly cooperative putter makes the trip, then Scheffler may be the one in Butler Cabin at week's end.

Star who definitely won't win -- Viktor Hovland: The full swing isn't there and the short game isn't there. I'm no rocket scientist, but that doesn't sound like a great combination. Hovland has yet to crack the top 10 this season and ranks 183rd in strokes gained around the green out of 183 PGA Tour players. His streak of five straight major top 20s will be in jeopardy.

Scottie Scheffler vs. Jon Rahm: Give me Scheffler. The world No. 1 won't have to deal with hosting the Champions Dinner like Rahm and will roll into Thursday's action refreshed and ready to go. These two players are among the highest in strokes gained total at Augusta National, but it seems like Scheffler's floor is a hair higher than Rahm's at the moment. 

Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson: Tiger goes for a record 24th straight made cut at the Masters, while Mickelson will aim to recapture the magic of 2023 when he finished runner up to Rahm. We have only seen Woods play 25 holes this year, so it's tough to have any sense of confidence about his form and makes me believe Mickelson will have the upper hand this year. Both players will use their extensive experience to their advantage to make their way into the weekend, but neither will seriously be a factor.

Surprise prediction -- Rory McIlroy is in the mix on the second nine on Sunday: Despite a bevy of nice finishes at Augusta, McIlroy has only had one great opportunity to complete the career grand slam. That came in 2018. I love that he didn't arrive at Augusta National until later in the week, and his quality took another step in the right direction at the Texas Open. There are still questions about the quick left miss off the tee and his approach play, but I bet they get ironed out and McIlroy gives himself a real chance at joining golf's most exclusive club.

Lowest round: 65 (-7) Winning score: 277 (-11) Winner's Sunday score: 70 (-2)

The First Cut crew alongside Joe Musso gives you one final preview ahead of the 88th Masters Tournament. Follow & listen to The First Cut on  Apple Podcasts  and  Spotify .

Adam Silverstein, director of editorial

Winner -- Jordan Spieth (25-1): Is Scheffler more likely to win this Masters than anyone else in the field? Yes, of course. The odds tell that story. But as Kyle wrote this week , there are few courses or tournaments in the nation as sticky this one -- and Spieth is one of the best playing here. Spieth's strokes gained at Augusta National (2.81) is second only to Rahm (2.84) among golfers who have played at least four Masters over the last 10 years. That's 0.01 ahead of Scheffler (2.80). He was just a couple strokes shy of winning three straight Masters (2014-16) and has three top-four finishes in the seven he's played since with a T4 last year. He also has momentum coming in with a T10 finish at the Texas Open, though to be fair, he did miss the cut in consecutive events prior. Still, his likelihood of winning is nearly as strong as either Scheffler or Rahm, and his odds are six times as great as the former.

Sleeper -- Justin Rose (130-1):  Speaking of quality golfers on this course, Rose is quite an option. He only has two modes at Augusta National: contention or the weekend back home. The 43-year-old has not won on the PGA Tour in a year, but he knows this course like the back of his hand. with six top 10s and two runner-ups, though those came nearly a decade ago. He has not won a major since 2013 yet frequently seems to be in contention with four top 10s in the last 13 he's played. Is he going to win the Masters? Probably not. But experience at Augusta matters, and throwing some beer money on Rose is a play that's ... better than most.

Top 10 lock -- Scottie Scheffler: The benefit of not picking Scheffler to win is that he can slide in right here with the utmost confidence. Scheffler has not finished outside the top 10 at a tournament since Jan. 21; he's placed among the top of the leaderboard in six straight events and enters the Masters going Win, Win, T2 in March. He ran into the top 10 last year after winning in 2022, and get this, has placed inside the top 10 across nine of his last 13 majors (69%). There's no way anyone in the field has a better percentage than that.

Star who definitely won't win -- Justin Thomas: Hopefully this is a reverse jinx situation for J.T., because it truly feels as if he should have won a Masters already given his skill and mastery of this course. The problem may be that he just wants it so much. Thomas missed the cut last year playing alongside idol Tiger Woods; luckily, that won't be the case this year, so he should be able to relax a bit. He is debuting a new bag man after splitting with Jim "Bones" Mackay. 

Scottie Scheffler vs. Jon Rahm: There's a general belief around Augusta National that Rahm is feeling the pressure given his controversial move to LIV Golf, serving as the reigning champion, hosting the Champions Dinner, etc. Maybe true; maybe not. What I do know is that there may be no golfer who enters an event feeling less pressure these days than Scheffler, and given the aforementioned streak he's running, it would almost be foolish to take Rahm in this head-to-head. 

Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson: Speaking of general beliefs around Augusta, there is a lack of it in Woods. You know, the guy with five green jackets. The guy who who has made 19 straight cuts at Augusta National (never missing one) as a professional. The guy who won this event just five years ago. OK, Tiger's body is falling apart; he said this week that he " hurt[s] every day ." What doesn't hurt, apparently, is his surgically repaired ankle. Nor does his mind, which understands the hills and valleys, the cut of the greens and how to transverse this course better than anyone in the world. Not only do I have Tiger over Phil, I have him over another rival, Sergio Garcia, too.

Surprise prediction -- Rory McIlroy backdoors his way to a top-five finish:  The 2024 season has not been overly kind to McIlroy, nor has Augusta National over the years, as he's alternated between top-five finishes and missed cuts over the last four Masters. He has seven top 10s here since 2014 and seven top 10s in his last eight majors. It's unlikely that Rory wins at Augusta until he figures out a way to stop wanting it so badly. That sounds asinine, but we've seen that want be his undoing at countless events. Where he thrives at the Masters is when he plays from behind and has nothing to lose. 

Lowest round:  65 (-7) Winning score:  278 (-12) Winner's Sunday score:  69 (-3)

Who will win the 2024 Masters, and which longshots will stun the golfing world?  Visit SportsLine now to see the projected leaderboard, all from the model that's nailed 10 golf majors, including last year's Masters and Open Championship .

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Masters Tournament

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta, Georgia • USA

Apr 11 - 14, 2024