Pro Golf Now
Fansided

2022 Masters Tournament: Top 10 power rankings at Augusta National

By Mike Randleman

Apr 9, 2021; Augusta, Georgia, USA; The Masters flag in front of the leaderboard on the 17th green during the second round of The Masters golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2021; Augusta, Georgia, USA; The Masters flag in front of the leaderboard on the 17th green during the second round of The Masters golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 11
Next
Masters, Augusta National, 2022 Masters, Rankings
Mar 20, 2022; Palm Harbor, Florida, USA; Sam Burns poses for a picture on the 18th. green after defeating Davis Riley (not pictured) in a play off during the final round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

If you think this is the year a first-time Masters participant wins for the first time since 1979, Sam Burns is the clear-cut pick.

For what the 25-year-old lacks in experience at Augusta National, he makes up for a lot of it with his talent. He was a big name coming up in the junior and amateur ranks, which culminated in an all-American collegiate career at LSU.

It wasn’t all gravy for Burns as soon as he turned pro, but he’s found his stride over the last couple years. The Louisianan cracked the top 10 in the Official World Golf Rankings for the first time in his career when he won his last start, defending his title at the Valspar Championship a few weeks ago.

That was his third PGA Tour win, all of which have come since May 2021. Burns also claimed a pair of runner-up finishes and two more top-fives since that time, which includes time off last summer due to a back injury.

He’s back in full health now and looks poised to make his first American Presidents Cup team after just missing out on a Ryder Cup captain’s pick last year.

Sam Burns can challenge at the 2022 Masters

Burns has more than proved himself in standard events. It’s time to show some chops in the majors.

Not counting a withdrawal at the 2021 PGA Championship, he’s made just five major starts with three made cuts highlighted by T-29th at the 2019 PGA.

I don’t think Burns’ back was 100% during last year’s majors, so it’ll be interesting to see what he can do now.

A lack of experience at ANGC is not ideal, but it’s also much easier to learn a course with modern technology and resources.

Not to mention, Burns is prolific on Bermuda grass that we’ll see this week. He hasn’t played his best away from the southeastern U.S., but he should be in his wheelhouse this week.

His stat profile is well-rounded. Burns ranks 52nd or better in every strokes gained category led by ninth in approach (.724). If rain is a factor this week and the course is softer, he’s got length off the tee (26th, 308.1) to carry the ball far.

Home/Golf Power Rankings