Avoid These Masters Mistakes: A Guide for Smarter Tiers and One & Done Picks

The Masters is golf’s grandest stage, and with Splash Sports' Tiers and One & Done contests, it becomes even more thrilling. But as exciting as it is to make your picks, there are common pitfalls that can quietly sabotage your lineup before the first ball is even struck. To help you stay clear of trouble, we've put together a guide to the mistakes you want to avoid when building your Masters contest entries.

Overlooking Player History at Augusta

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is ignoring how a golfer has performed at Augusta National in the past. Course history matters here more than almost anywhere else on the golf calendar. Augusta is a unique challenge, with slick greens, elevation changes, and demanding tee shots that reward certain skill sets. Some players simply "get" Augusta. Look at Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa—both are shining examples of players who feel at home at Augusta and consistently post strong finishes. Experience and success on this course can tell you a lot about how a golfer is likely to perform, so don't let flashy recent form blind you to the importance of course fit. Dig into those past Masters leaderboards and see who reliably makes the cut and climbs the ranks.

Ignoring Course Fit and Playing Style

Beyond pure history, you need to think about how Augusta rewards specific styles of play. This isn't just about who won last week. Augusta National is a ball-striker's paradise, where players with high-ball flights, strong iron play, and creativity around the greens tend to thrive. Don’t just glance at the odds or latest headlines—take the time to understand which golfers are built for Augusta’s layout. A powerful driver with sharp wedges or a magician on the greens can outperform expectations here. Course fit and comfort should always be factored into your Tiers and One & Done strategies.

Only Focusing on the Big Names

Yes, the biggest stars in golf will draw the most attention at the Masters, but if you only fill your lineup with household names, you could miss out on some hidden gems—especially in Tiers contests. Each tier includes a variety of players, and value often lurks beneath the obvious choices. The key to winning isn’t just picking the favorites, it’s finding that undervalued golfer in the middle or lower tiers who can outperform expectations and give you a major edge over the field. Augusta has a history of surprise performances from players flying under the radar, so be prepared to dig deeper.

Failing to Balance Risk and Reward

Another easy trap is leaning too far into either safety or boldness. Playing it safe across the board can leave you with a lineup that lacks upside, while going all-in on sleepers could result in a disastrous scorecard if they miss the cut. Smart entries balance stability with upside potential. Use your Tiers selections to lock in a few proven Augusta performers, but don’t shy away from sprinkling in a high-risk, high-reward pick who could catch fire. In One & Done, consider your overall season plan—the Masters is a great time to deploy an elite player, but only if the rest of your strategy accounts for the majors and signature events to follow.

Final Thoughts

The Masters is a tournament steeped in tradition, but your fantasy approach should be forward-thinking. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll give yourself a serious shot at climbing the Splash Sports leaderboards. Remember, it’s not just about picking the biggest names—it’s about crafting a smart, balanced lineup that leverages course history, player fit, and a healthy dose of boldness. Make your picks wisely, enjoy the sweat with your friends, and chase that unforgettable Masters fantasy win.