The Masters Tournament is just around the corner, and the excitement is building up among golf fans all over the world. As the top players gear up to compete for the coveted green jacket, discussions and debates have already begun about who will emerge as the ultimate champion. And one person who has been at the center of these conversations is CBS Sports’ very own Amanda Balionis.
Known for her insightful analysis and expert opinions, Balionis has become a trusted name in the world of golf. Her predictions and picks have often been spot on, making her a go-to source for fans looking to make their own predictions. However, this time around, Balionis has surprised everyone with her unexpected picks for the Masters 2026.
In a recent interview, Balionis revealed her top picks for the upcoming Masters Tournament, and to everyone’s surprise, her list did not include the top two golfers, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. This has caused quite a stir among fans and experts alike, with many questioning Balionis’ decision to leave out these two top contenders.
But Balionis has her reasons, and she stands by her picks with full confidence. In her own words, “I have 12 names on my list, and I believe each one of them has the potential to win the Masters. It was a tough decision to leave out McIlroy and Scheffler, but I have my reasons, and I stand by them.”
So who are the 12 names that have made it to Balionis’ list? Let’s take a closer look at her picks and the reasons behind them.
First on the list is none other than the defending champion, Dustin Johnson. Balionis believes that Johnson’s recent form and his familiarity with the Augusta National course make him a strong contender for the title. Next up is Bryson DeChambeau, who has been making waves in the golf world with his impressive performances and unique approach to the game.
Balionis also has Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele on her list, all of whom have been consistent performers on the PGA Tour and have the skills to conquer the Augusta National. She also believes that Jordan Spieth, who has been struggling with his form in recent years, has the potential to make a comeback and win his second Masters title.
But it’s not just the established names that have made it to Balionis’ list. She has also included some up-and-coming players like Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, and Matthew Wolff, who have been making a name for themselves on the tour and have the talent to surprise everyone at the Masters.
Balionis has also shown some love to the international players, with Hideki Matsuyama, Tommy Fleetwood, and Louis Oosthuizen making it to her list. These players have been consistent performers on the PGA Tour and have the experience of playing at Augusta National, which could give them an edge over the competition.
But what about the top two golfers, McIlroy and Scheffler, who have been left out of Balionis’ list? Well, Balionis believes that both these players have the potential to win the Masters, but their recent form and performances have not been up to the mark. She also believes that the pressure of being the top-ranked players could affect their performance at the Masters.
While Balionis’ picks may have surprised many, it’s important to remember that predicting the winner of a major championship is no easy task. Golf is a game of uncertainties, and anything can happen on the course. But one thing is for sure, Balionis’ picks have added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the upcoming Masters Tournament.
As the countdown to the Masters begins, fans all over the world will be eagerly waiting to see if Balionis’ predictions come true or if there will be some unexpected twists and turns in the tournament. But one thing is certain, the Masters 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable event, and we can’t wait to see who will emerge as the ultimate champion.
