There may not be a clear favorite at Augusta this week — but Butch Harmon just made one thing clear: his pick to win the Masters isn’t going to win over the crowd.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the legendary coach backed Bryson DeChambeau to slip on the green jacket — while openly acknowledging the reaction it might get.
“I think you just said it, I think it’s the most open Masters we’ve had in a long time,” Harmon said.
“All the guys we talked about, you could say are the favourites.
“I’m going to go with DeChambeau. I think he’s ready to get it done.
“I’m not sure he’d be the most popular winner around here, or with the patrons or whatever, but I think he’s played so well on LIV, we know he’s won two majors.
“He knows how to win it. That’s the one I’m gonna pick.”
Harmon Leans Into a Polarizing Masters Scenario
Harmon didn’t just make a prediction — he framed the storyline.
DeChambeau remains one of the most divisive players in the field, largely due to his move to LIV Golf. And while Augusta National often embraces its traditions, the reality of today’s game is harder to ignore.
That tension sits right at the center of Harmon’s pick.
DeChambeau has the résumé. He has the power. And he’s proven he can win majors. But he’s not the player most fans will be pulling for come Sunday — especially with names like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy in the mix.
Harmon knows that. He said it anyway.
Why This Masters Feels Different
GettyBryson DeChambeau hits out of a greenside bunker during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters at Augusta National.
Part of what makes this prediction stand out is how wide open the field feels.
There’s no dominant storyline. No runaway favorite. Even the game’s biggest stars have shown just enough inconsistency to leave the door open.
That’s exactly the kind of setup where someone like DeChambeau becomes dangerous.
If his game is dialed in, his distance alone can reshape how Augusta plays. Few players can overpower the course the way he can — and fewer still have his ability to turn that into a major win.
The One Thing That Could Decide It
For all of DeChambeau’s strengths, the formula at Augusta hasn’t changed.
It’s still about precision.
If he’s going to win, it won’t just be because of his driving. It’ll come down to his wedges — controlling spin, distance, and trajectory into some of the most demanding greens in golf.
That’s been a key focus for him leading into the week.
And if that part of his game holds, Harmon’s prediction suddenly looks a lot less controversial.
Winning Isn’t Always About Popularity at Augusta
Harmon’s comment lands because it speaks to something bigger.
Augusta has always celebrated tradition — but it doesn’t vote on the winner.
If DeChambeau plays the best golf, none of the outside noise will matter.
And if that happens, the Masters won’t just crown a champion — it’ll spotlight just how much the game continues to evolve.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Butch Harmon Names His Masters Pick — And Admits He Won’t Be Popular appeared first on Heavy Sports.