Sky Sports Golf podcast - The Masters special: Scottie Scheffler 'ticking every box' for Augusta glory?

David Howell and Tim Barter join Josh Antmann for a special major edition of the Sky Sports Golf podcast ahead of The Masters; Watch throughout the week exclusively live from Augusta National on Sky Sports Golf

Last Updated: 10/04/24 6:21am

Sky Sports' Tim Barter discusses whether Tiger Woods will be able to face the physical demands of playing at The Masters

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Sky Sports' Tim Barter discusses whether Tiger Woods will be able to face the physical demands of playing at The Masters
Sky Sports' Tim Barter discusses whether Tiger Woods will be able to face the physical demands of playing at The Masters

Scottie Scheffler’s hopes for more major glory, Rory McIlroy’s Grand Slam bid and Tiger Woods’ prospects all feature in a bumper Masters special edition of the Sky Sports Golf podcast.

Former Ryder Cup player David Howell and expert coach Tim Barter join Josh Antmann to look ahead to the opening major of the year, where Jon Rahm returns as defending champion after last year's impressive four-shot victory at Augusta National.

The guests share their memories of playing and visiting Augusta National and what makes the course so challenging to play, plus discuss the key areas of a golfer's game that are needed to impress around one of the sport's most iconic venues.

The trio reflect on pre-tournament favourite Scheffler's impressive start to the campaign and whether he can be stopped in his pursuit of a second Masters victory in three years, with Barter backing the American to continue his remarkable consistency.

"He's one of the most complete players I've ever seen," Barter said. "He has every box ticked, so don't expect this guy to go away. This guy's here to stay.

"This guy works harder than just about anybody out there. It's incredible. He has a brilliant touch around the greens, a temperament to die for and he's just ticking every single box. Outside of injury and the putter cooling down significantly, he's going to be very hard to knock off world No 1."

The panel look at McIlroy's pre-Masters visits to Butch Harmon and how a third-place finish at the Valero Texas Open can fuel his hopes of ending his major drought, which stretches back to 2014, plus debate whether Rahm's LIV Golf appearances will be enough to find form and defend.

They discuss whether Woods can complete 72 holes and break the record for most consecutive cuts made at The Masters, having battled injury in recent seasons, plus look at whether a first-timer or surprise package could make an unlikely bid for the Green Jacket.

All three offer their Masters predictions, with former major champions, Augusta rookies and LIV Golf players among those mentioned as potential options to back instead of Scheffler for victory this week.

When is The Masters on Sky Sports?

Wall-to-wall coverage from the tournament begins at 2pm over the first two rounds on Thursday April 11 and Friday April 12, with Featured Group action and regular updates from around the course available to enjoy on Sky Sports Golf until the global broadcast window begins at 8pm.

There will be lots of extra action throughout all four days via the red button on Sky Sports Golf, along with Sky Q and Sky Glass, providing plenty of bonus feeds and allowing you to follow players' progress through various parts of Augusta's famous layout.

Sky Sports Golf will show extended build-up content over the weekend and occasional live updates from the course before the global broadcast window starts at 8pm for the third round and 7pm for the final day, with early action available throughout via the red button.

Who will win The Masters? Watch live from April 11-14 exclusively on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins with Featured Groups on Thursday April 11 from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream The Masters and lots more golf with NOW.

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