It’s been 12 years since Adam Scott drained that mighty 25-footer to birdie the second play-off hole of the 2013 Masters; 12 years since we raised the rooves of living rooms and golf clubs around the land; 12 years since the greatest excuse for breakfast beers since Bob Hawke gave everyone the day off in 1983.
And here we are again, back at Augusta National for this 89th Masters, and I have one hundred percent zero compunction about speaking on behalf of all sports fans - scratch that, all people - in our great southern land, and declaring that Australians all let us rejoice for we'd very much like to do it again.
How good would that be? Min Woo Lee partying in chef's hat and green jacket combo. Cam Smith spilling beer on his lapels as he rips off a shoie. Jason Day leaping into Rae's Creek, white pants, green jacket, a smile through his beard that would never wash off.
It would be as unlikely as it would be magnificent.
This trio represents, one could argue, our best chance for another national day of celebration. And while the rise of Adam Scott and Cam Davis would surprise, if nothing else, Augusta tells stories. Compelling, glorious, ever-surprising stories.
Here's a few to go on with.
JASON DAY
Age: 37
World Ranking: 36
Best finish at The Masters: T2 (2011)
Last five results at Augusta: T5 CUT CUT T39 T30
Form in 2025: T32 T13 T50 T8 T27
Why he can win: Day is not far away and in 2025 has been going okay without setting fire to a pile of his clothing range. He had a T3 in January in the American Express, finishing 22-under and three behind winner Sepp Straka. And he did run T8 in the Arnold Palmer in March with enigmatic rounds of 76-64-69-74. So you could say he's trending upwards, or sideways at worst. It was unfortunate that he pulled out of The Players last month for we couldn't gain a true handle on his form in super-elite company. But you couldn't say he'll be over-awed by anyone given he's been T2 (in 2011, behind Charl Schwartzel) and third (in 2013, Adam Scott) upon these, the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. And all at a succelent Chinese meal price.
Odds: $81
CAM DAVIS
Age: 30
World Ranking: 58
Best finish at The Masters: T12 (2024)
Last five results at Augusta: DNP DNP 46 DNP T12
Form in 2025: T5 MC MC MC MC
Why he can win: He's surprised us before. There was a final round 64 at The Australian to win the 2017 Australian Open. There were two Rocket Mortgage Insurance Opens - 2021 and 2024. And in February, a bare 66 says ago, he tied for fifth at Pebble Beach, with scores of 65-68-69-69, four shots back of Rory McIlroy. In two turnouts at Augusta he's never missed the cut. And last year, after three rounds, he was T6 and five shots behind the ulimate champion, Scottie Scheffler. So there is all that. Unfortunately for Davis, his last month has been a missed-cut-a-thon and included second round 80s at the Arnold Palmer and The Players. He's since employed a hypnotherapist to help and hopefully that person can convince him he's Tiger Woods. "Close your eyes and repeat after me:You are Tiger Wooooods." "I am Tiger Wooooods." Though the chances of that are reflected in the following bookmaker's assessment of Davis's prospects in this 89th Masters.
Odds: $326
MIN WOO LEE
Age: 26
World Ranking: 23
Best finish at The Masters: T14 (2022)
Last five results at Augusta: DNP DNP T14 MC T22
Form in 2025: 48 T11 MC T20 1
Why he can win: Why can't he? Led The Players after two rounds. Held off Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy in Houston for his first PGA Tour win, and that after blocking one into the water on 16 when leading by four. Appeared nerveless from there when he was far from it. But he has a caddie who was Shane Lowry’s caddie when Lowry won the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2019, a fellow called Brian 'Bo' Martin. And old beardie Bob told Lee to be cool, and he was cool. Lee's ball-striking and general “play” is world class, and he hits it a mile. His coach, Ritchie Smith, says he’s hitting it a lot higher, for instance six-iron is going 15-metres higher, which will benefit when bombing into the hard greens at Augusta. In round four of 2022 Lee went out in 30, equal-lowest front nine ever, and came within four of the lead before, perhaps, realising he was within four from the lead. Came home in 40 and finished T14. Last year he banged up his hand working out, and it was very cold, and he still ran T22. So, recent winner, recent Augusta muscle memory, pretty cool guy. Head and heart it would be awesome to cheer him home. Go The Chef.
Odds: $41
ADAM SCOTT
Age: 44
World Ranking: 32
Best finish at The Masters: 1 (2013)
Last five results at Augusta: T34 54 T48 T39 T22
Form in 2025: T22 T37 T36 MC T57
Why he can win: He won before, didn't he? He's been playing the Masters since 2002, was T9 on debut and has missed the cut twice. Pressure? There's none on Scott. He can just go out and play. He's got his jacket, they'll never stop inviting him. He says he wants to win multiple majors before he ups stumps, and if he's heading into Amen Corner within a couple of the lead, we'll see in his eyes how much he really means that. If nothing else it's nice watching him play.
Odds: $151
CAM SMITH
Age: 31
World Ranking: 127
Best finish at The Masters: T2 (2020)
Last five results at Augusta: T2 T10 T3 T34 T6
Form in 2025: T25 30 T20 T19 T9
Why he can win: Smith has not set golf world alight in LIV season 2025 though he’s improving every go-round, with a last start T9 on the well-named Blue Monster at Dural, his one-over being seven shots behind Marc Leishman. But Smith is at Augusta National now, and the man loves the joint: four top-10s in this last five starts, including a second, a third and a sixth last year. He skipped the bulk of the Ripper team's celebrations post-Miami, arrived on the property on Monday - "one of four times of the year I'm in selfish mode," he told LIV media - and will have been working his very bottom off in preparation for this 89th Masters. Never write off the champions, champions. Go him, too. And go them all.
Odds: $46
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