The 89th Masters Tournament is fast approaching. A major question is whether anyone can challenge Scottie Scheffler`s dominance. Another point of interest is which golfers from the LIV circuit might contend for the coveted green jacket this week. Finally, are there any first-time participants who could make a significant impact?
From prominent players to Masters debutants and potential dark horses, here are five crucial narratives to follow at Augusta this week.
Spotlight on Top Contenders
Mark Schlabach: The primary focus will undoubtedly be on the world`s top two ranked players: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. A head-to-head showdown between Scheffler and McIlroy on Sunday at Augusta National would inject excitement into a sport recently overshadowed by financial disputes and divisions.
Scheffler has consistently been a top performer in men`s golf for a considerable period. He is aiming to join the elite company of Jack Nicklaus as the only golfers to secure three Masters victories within four years. Furthermore, he could become just the fourth golfer to win consecutive green jackets, alongside Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.
Despite missing the initial month of the season due to a hand injury and not yet securing a win in 2025, Scheffler remains a formidable force. While McIlroy has arguably been the most outstanding golfer in recent months, Scheffler`s ability to elevate his game at Augusta National is undeniable.
McIlroy enters the tournament with two victories already this season and is in excellent form. He will be attempting to win a green jacket for the eleventh time, seeking to complete a career Grand Slam and break a major championship drought spanning over a decade.
Paolo Uggetti: Much attention has been given to Scheffler and McIlroy, and justifiably so. However, the unpredictable nature of the first major of the year leads me to consider two LIV Golf players as strong contenders: Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Rahm is a past Masters champion, having won two years prior, and DeChambeau is coming off a U.S. Open victory last year, in addition to other high major finishes. Despite their credentials, the integration of LIV players into major championships remains somewhat uncertain. DeChambeau demonstrated his major competitiveness last year, but his last LIV win was in September 2023.
The implications for this week at Augusta are unclear, but DeChambeau`s performance is compelling to watch. Similarly, Rahm`s consistent play on LIV, with his worst finish being ninth, suggests he`s in good form, despite a missed cut at a non-LIV event in January. His game appears to be improving leading into the Masters.
First-Time Players to Watch
Schlabach: Thomas Detry, a former standout college golfer, is a noteworthy first-timer. He recently secured his first PGA Tour win at the WM Phoenix Open. He also had strong major finishes last year, tying for fourth at the PGA Championship and 14th at the U.S. Open.
While Detry is a proficient putter, his iron play has been inconsistent, raising questions about his ability to consistently hit fairways at Augusta National.
Aaron Rai from England is another capable golfer with recent major success, tying for 19th at both the 2021 Open Championship and last year`s U.S. Open. Rai`s statistical rankings are impressive, particularly in driving accuracy. He also enters the Masters in good form with several top-15 finishes in recent tournaments.
Uggetti: Maverick McNealy`s journey to the Masters culminates this year after a seven-year pursuit. His victory at the RSM Classic in November marked his breakthrough, and he is currently playing excellent golf. McNealy, a Stanford alumnus, has achieved four top-10 finishes this season, including a runner-up at the Genesis Invitational.
McNealy`s strong putting and approach play should be beneficial at Augusta. If he can maintain solid driving and improve his short game around the greens, the course appears to be a good fit for his style of play.
Course Conditions and Impact of Changes
Schlabach: The course was playing firm and fast leading up to the tournament, but recent rainfall has softened conditions. However, there is ample time for the course to dry before the tournament begins. The course`s drainage system is expected to be working to remove excess water. Weather forecasts predict favorable conditions for the remainder of the week, with limited rain chances.
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to Augusta National in 2024. The storm resulted in tree loss, particularly on the first and ninth holes, altering the visual landscape for returning patrons. However, these changes are unlikely to significantly impact player strategy. The 16th green required rebuilding due to a fallen tree, and greens on holes 1, 8, and 15 were also renovated.
Uggetti: Xander Schauffele observed the changes on the course, particularly the missing trees on the 16th hole and elsewhere. He noted that the changes made the back nine feel almost unfamiliar.
Schauffele explained that the trees at Augusta previously served as visual aids for tee shots. While some of these are now gone, he does not anticipate a significant change in how the course plays.
Schauffele believes the course will play similarly to previous years, with minor adjustments to aiming points. He suggests using alternative landmarks for reference.
McIlroy echoed Schauffele`s observations, noting that some tee shots may appear less intimidating due to the removal of overhanging trees. However, he believes the course remains largely unchanged strategically.
Expectations for LIV Golf Players
Schlabach: Twelve LIV Golf players are participating in the Masters, and it`s plausible that a few could finish in the top 10. However, predicting specific names is challenging due to inconsistent performances from prominent LIV players in 2025. A recent LIV event at Trump National Doral proved demanding for many top players.
DeChambeau was still refining his game leading into the Miami event. Rahm, the defending Masters champion, and past Augusta performers like Cameron Smith and Patrick Reed could be contenders for a top-10 finish.
Uggetti: LIV player performance is difficult to predict. While past results are not a definitive guide, players like Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Cameron Smith have the potential to excel at Augusta. Their playing styles are well-suited to the course.
Joaquín Niemann is one LIV player to watch closely. He has multiple victories this season and has been performing at a high level. Despite a less impressive major championship record, Niemann`s current form suggests he could be a strong contender this week.
Under-the-Radar Player to Watch
Schlabach: Russell Henley, currently ranked No. 7 in the world, is a potentially overlooked contender. Despite five PGA Tour wins, he isn`t receiving much attention. Henley won the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year and has consistently performed well this season.
Henley`s strengths align well with Masters requirements: finding fairways and executing precise approach shots. He ranks highly in greens in regulation and driving accuracy, and is a capable putter.
Henley has shown improved major championship performance recently, including a tie for fourth at the 2023 Masters. His Georgia roots and Masters aspirations make him a compelling underdog.
Uggetti: Collin Morikawa, ranked No. 4 in the world, seems to be flying under the radar. Despite not winning since 2023, he has been consistently in contention and leads in strokes gained on approach shots. Morikawa came close to winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational this year.
Morikawa had a chance to win the Masters last year but faded on Sunday. This year, his improved putting and overall game, along with his desire to end his winless streak, make him a strong contender. He could very well be in contention on Sunday.
For a deeper longshot, consider Akshay Bhatia. After his Masters debut last year, Bhatia has risen to become a top-25 player. If his putting is strong this week, he could have a successful tournament.
