Andrew Novak, a first‑time competitor, devotes hours to Masters footage, turning the obsession into a podcast. He insists he has watched more than anyone, cataloguing pin positions and shot types from legends like Tiger Woods and Fred Couples. Despite missing the cut at the Players Championship, he believes his deep course knowledge gives him an edge at Augusta.

With 16 debutants, 12 of whom have PGA and DP World Tour victories, the field feels seasoned yet still untested. Players like Chris Gotterup and Sami Välimäki plan to use Augusta's two‑day access to practice, while others, such as Novak, rely on video analysis alone. This mix of preparation styles fuels speculation on who can translate experience into a green jacket.

Veteran Bubba Watson cautions that a first‑time win is rare, noting that the last rookie victor, Fuzzy Zoeller, did so 47 years ago. He urges newcomers to enjoy the experience rather than chase glory. As the tournament approaches, fans will watch whether the blend of video study and limited practice can overcome Augusta’s unique challenges and deliver a historic debut.