There is an overwhelming feeling of optimism in the four-man Australian contingent who will contest the 90th Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club, starting on Thursday night (Aust time).
Two major championship winners who also have runner-up finishes at the Masters on their record, Cam Smith and Jason Day, will lead the way for the Australians, Smith teeing off the first at 9:19 am (local time) with his fellow Queenslander 24 minutes later.
The other two Aussies in the 91-man field - 2023 champion Adam Scott and highest-ranked Australian Min Woo Lee - have afternoon tee times at 12:03 pm and 12:15 pm, respectively.
Scott thinks his second title at Augusta is “really possible”, buoyed by a strong start to the 2026 PGA TOUR season, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the Genesis Invitational, where he twice carded rounds of 63.
“I feel like I just haven’t been able to quite put it all together to win this season, but it’s been really close,” he said ahead of a milestone 25th Masters appearance.
“It’s a very fine line at the top end of leaderboards and getting it done, but it kind of feels like it wouldn’t surprise me if it all lined up and I was in contention this week with a chance, which is kind of really what you’re aiming for anyway.
“So I’m optimistic, and I think it’s really possible.”
Now ranked No.25 in the world, just three off his career best, Lee’s improved iron play and accuracy off the tee in 2026, backing up a sensational short game, pinpoints him as a real threat at Augusta.
The big change he is counting on this year is the addition of a new mini driver, which he plans on using often, especially on Augusta’s dogleg right-to-left holes, including the par-5 second and 13th.
“Game is looking really good. Feeling good,” the West Australian said ahead of his final practice round.
Coming off a last-start sixth at the Houston Open, where Lee tied for third, Day was the first Australian to arrive in Augusta, six days before the tournament’s day one, and feels well prepared in his bid for a second major championship.
“I’ve had good prep, so I’m really looking forward to getting into the tournament now,” the former world No.1 said.
“Obviously at Houston, played good there. I thought that was a great week to prepare for this week and then I’ve just been here so many times. If I can just get out of my own way, typically I play well.”
Smith’s tournament week has included two solo practice rounds as he tries to shake off his poor form from 2025, when he missed the cut in all four majors.
Missing out on the weekend at Augusta was a first for the Ripper GC captain, who had snared five top-10s in his previous eight appearances.
"(The game) feels good. Felt really good in Singapore and it kind of felt okay in South Africa but wasn’t where it was the week before so it was kind of frustrating,” Smith
"But a couple of weeks off and some good work with (coach) Grant (Field) last week, so the game’s feeling really good.”
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