PENPIX FOR THE FIVE AUSTRALIANS AT THE 87TH US MASTERS AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL:

CAMERON SMITH

Age: 29

World ranking: 6

Best result in a major: 1st (2022 British Open)

Masters played: 6 (6 cuts made)

Best Masters finish: T2nd (2020)

The hottest player on the planet six months ago, Smith has been unable to back up his stellar five-title 2022 season that included victories at St Andrews, the Players Championship, the PGA Tour's Tournament of Champions and Australian PGA. He's missed a cut and failed to contend this year. Only time will tell if his controversial move to LIV Golf has diminished his competitive fire or taken the edge of his silky short game. But was unlucky not to win last year's Masters, eventually finishing third, and possesses four top-10s from his past four starts at Augusta, so cannot be dismissed as a chance.

Odds: $19

JASON DAY

Age: 35

World ranking: 35

Best result in a major: champion (2015 US PGA)

Masters played: 10 (8 cuts made)

Best Masters finish: T2nd (2011)

The former world No.1 looked no hope of making the Masters after slumping to 175th in the rankings last September. But finally free of the debilitating back injuries that had plagued his career, Day has roared back to life in 2023 with seven successive top-20 finishes, including five top-5s and a quarter-final showing at the WGC Match Play last start in Texas. A genuine winning chance at a course that he loves and perennially contends, boasting a second, a third and two ties for 10th.

Odds: $26

ADAM SCOTT

Age: 42

World ranking: 40

Best result in a major: champion (2013 Masters)

Masters played: 21 (19 cuts made)

In a sport where wins don't come often, Scott is taking confidence from a steely group-round victory and last-hole loss to the eventual champion at the WGC Match Play and a series of other decent PGA Tour results this season. Australia's only ever Masters champion also boasts a remarkably consistent record at Augusta National. Apart from his landmark triumph 10 years ago, the sweet-swinging talisman has a joint runner-up, five top 10s, 10 top 25s and only two missed cuts. Don't count out.

Odds: $81

MIN WOO LEE

Age: 24

World ranking: 48

Best result in a major: T14th (2022 Masters)

Masters played: 1 (1 cut made)

The other half of world golf's most talented brother-sister act is returning for his second Masters after a spectacular final round last year when he tied the front-nine scoring record with a blazing 30. The Perth prodigy has only blossomed since, announcing his arrival as a contender on the world's biggest stages with a sixth at last month's Players Championship, where he had a share of the lead early on Sunday. Also excelled at last year's US Open and British Open to prove his major pedigree.

Odds: $67

HARRISON CROWE

Age: 21

World ranking: 504

Best result in a major: on debut

The emerging star secured his Masters ticket with victory at last year's Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Thailand, one of four amateur titles he claimed in 2022. Also won the NSW Open to confirm his ability to compete with the big boys. No doubting his potential but no player has won his maiden Masters since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. Surviving the cut would be a successful week.

Odds: $1001

LEADING INTERNATIONAL CONTENDERS:

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER (USA)

Age: 26

World ranking: 41

Best result in a major: champion (2022 Masters)

Masters played: 3 (3 cut made)

The American has morphed into somewhat of a golfing machine since bursting through for his maiden PGA Tour victory at last year's Phoenix Open. Has since won five more big events in 13 months, including the Masters, Players Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational. Rounded out preparations for his title defence at Augusta with a semi-final run at the WGC Match Play. Deserved favourite.

Odds: $8

RORY MCILROY (NIR)

Age: 33

World ranking: 2

Best result in a major: champion (2011 US Open, 2012 US PGA, 2014 British Open, 2014 US PGA)

Masters played: 14 (12 cuts made)

Best Masters finish: runner-up (2022)

Seems only a matter of time before the Northern Irish superstar breaks through to complete a career grand slam with glory at Augusta National, where he's been top 10 in seven of his past nine starts. With four worldwide wins in the past six months and, like Scheffler, a semi-finalist at the WGC Match Play, comes into the season's first major high on form and confidence.

Odds: $8.50

JON RAHM (ESP)

Age: 28

World ranking: 3

Best result in a major: champion (2021 US Open)

Masters played: 6 (6 cuts made)

Best Masters finish: 4th (2018)

The Spaniard has been on fire in 2023, taking his winning tally to a phenomenal five from a nine-tournament spell with success at the Genesis Invitational, American Express and Tournament of Champions on the PGA Tour after finishing 2022 with a flurry. Illness has slowed him following a withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational but another proven performer with four top-10s in the last five years.

Odds: $9