AUGUSTA, Ga. — While Tiger Woods, a fifteen-time major champion, will be absent from the 89th Masters due to recovery from a ruptured left Achilles tendon, the tournament remains rich with compelling narratives as the world`s top golfers converge on Augusta National Golf Club this week.
Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked No. 1 globally, aims to join Jack Nicklaus as the only players to secure three green jackets within a four-year period. Achieving this would also make him only the fourth golfer in Masters history to win consecutively, following Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Woods.
Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 2, enters the tournament possibly in even stronger form than Scheffler. McIlroy is seeking to become the sixth golfer in the Masters era to complete a career Grand Slam by winning a green jacket. This marks his 11th attempt to achieve this milestone and end a major championship drought spanning over a decade.
These are just a few of the captivating storylines unfolding at Augusta National this week. Notably, it`s the first time in eight months that elite golfers from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf League will compete in the same tournament field.
`This week is the one we all cherish most,` remarked Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters victor. `It signifies the beginning of the major championship series. History is consistently made here each year.`
Here’s a breakdown of the 96 golfers participating, categorized from potential winners to those focused on making the cut.
Sections:
The Clear Favorites | Top Contenders | Dark Horses
Long Shots | Aiming to Make the Cut | Past Champions | Amateurs
Tier I: The Clear Favorites
While a showdown between Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy is highly anticipated, golfers like Collin Morikawa, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele are also strong contenders. Here are the golfers with the highest probability of winning a green jacket this Sunday.
Scottie Scheffler
After recovering from a right hand injury that sidelined him for the first month of the season, the world No. 1 golfer is regaining momentum. He finished tied for second at the Texas Children`s Houston Open, just one stroke behind Min Woo Lee. Scheffler excels in putting and approach shots, making him a top pick for the Masters, where he has already won twice in the past three years.
Rory McIlroy
This Masters might be McIlroy`s best chance to finally secure a green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam. With two pre-April victories and exceptional recent form, he is considered a top contender. Although facing minor driver issues and elbow soreness in his last start, McIlroy`s overall game positions him as a significant threat at Augusta National.
Collin Morikawa
Morikawa leads the tour in strokes gained from tee to green, a key statistic for Masters champions. Despite not winning since October 2023, his consistent performance and near-victory at the 2024 Masters suggest he is on the verge of another win. His strong tee-to-green game makes him a formidable competitor at Augusta.
Jon Rahm
The 2023 Masters champion, Rahm, has proven his ability to contend in majors despite joining the LIV Golf League. With consistent top finishes in LIV Golf and a strong track record at Augusta, including multiple top-10s, Rahm remains a significant threat to win again.
Ludvig Åberg
Åberg impressed in his Masters debut last year, finishing second. His early success in professional golf, including a PGA Tour victory, highlights his potential. Despite recent inconsistencies in approach and putting, his talent and previous Masters performance make him a golfer to watch.
Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau has shown improved form at Augusta, leading after the first round last year and achieving his best Masters finish. His power and improved course management could make him a contender if he maintains consistency over all four rounds.
Xander Schauffele
Schauffele, with strong past Masters performances and recent major wins, is always a threat. Despite a recent injury, his strong approach play and Augusta track record position him as a contender, provided he is fully recovered.
Brooks Koepka
Koepka, a five-time major champion, is expected to be in contention. With multiple top-10s at Augusta, he has the experience and game to win. His past near-misses at the Masters might fuel his determination this year.
Tier II: Top Contenders
These golfers are legitimate contenders just below the top favorites. They possess the skill, resilience, and composure needed to navigate the pressures of the Masters.
Justin Thomas
Thomas is showing signs of resurgence, with recent top finishes and improved form. Despite past Masters struggles, his overall talent and current momentum make him a contender if he can bring his best game to Augusta.
Cameron Smith
Smith has a strong Masters record, including a recent top-10 finish. His consistent Augusta performances and ability to perform under pressure make him a dark horse contender.
Tommy Fleetwood
Fleetwood`s improved Masters record, including a top-3 finish last year, suggests he is becoming more comfortable at Augusta. His consistent play this season enhances his contender status.
Tyrrell Hatton
Hatton`s recent strong form and improved Masters performance, despite his admitted struggles with the 15th hole, indicate he could contend if he manages Augusta`s challenges effectively.
Jordan Spieth
Approaching the anniversary of his 2015 Masters win, Spieth shows signs of renewed form. Despite some inconsistencies at Augusta, his history and potential for brilliance make him a contender.
Joaquín Niemann
Niemann, with multiple professional wins globally and improving Masters results, is poised for a potential major breakthrough. His recent LIV Golf wins demonstrate his current form.
Hideki Matsuyama
The 2021 Masters champion, Matsuyama, has shown winning form this season. While his driving accuracy has been a concern, his overall game and Masters pedigree keep him in contention.
Russell Henley
Henley, a Georgia native, has a victory this season and past Masters success. His local connection and recent form make him a contender to watch.
Sepp Straka
Straka, a winner this season, has shown progressive improvement at Augusta. His consistent game and course familiarity could lead to a strong performance.
Viktor Hovland
Hovland`s recent win indicates a potential return to form. If he maintains this momentum, he could be a significant contender at Augusta.
Min Woo Lee
Lee`s recent PGA Tour victory highlights his potential. His past Masters performances suggest he can compete at Augusta, making him a dark horse contender.
Patrick Reed
Reed, a past Masters champion, consistently performs well at Augusta. His course history and major championship experience make him a perennial contender.
Justin Rose
Rose, a two-time Masters runner-up, has the experience and ability to contend if he finds consistency. His past Augusta performances demonstrate his potential.
Daniel Berger
Berger is showing strong form after injury recovery. If he continues this trajectory, he could surprise at Augusta, where he has had past success.
Keegan Bradley
Bradley, with recent improved Masters finishes, is looking to build on his Augusta record. His Ryder Cup captaincy might also boost his confidence.
Robert MacIntyre
MacIntyre returns to the Masters with improved world ranking and recent tour wins. His past Augusta experience could aid his performance.
Will Zalatoris
Zalatoris, despite putting struggles, has a strong Masters record. If his putting improves, he is a definite contender, seeking his breakthrough major win.
Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay has consistent major finishes, including at the Masters. His steady game makes him a reliable contender in any major championship.
Shane Lowry
Lowry`s strong season and past Masters top finish indicate his potential to contend. His experience and current form make him a threat.
Maverick McNealy
McNealy, in his Masters debut, enters with strong recent form and world ranking. His current play suggests he could contend even in his first Augusta appearance.
Harris English
English, a Georgia native and winner this season, has the putting ability to succeed at Augusta. If his iron play improves, he could be a strong contender.
Nicolai Højgaard
Højgaard impressed in his Masters debut last year. With more experience, he could leverage his past performance to contend this year.
Tier III: Dark Horses
These are the sleeper picks – players who could win if everything aligns perfectly. This group includes past champions, rising talents, and those whose form is improving at the right time.
Wyndham Clark
Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, has shown flashes of brilliance. If he finds consistency at Augusta, he has the talent to contend despite his past Masters struggles.
Sungjae Im
Im has a mixed Masters record but with high finishes in some years. If he`s on form, his past Augusta successes indicate he could surprise.
Dustin Johnson
Johnson, a past Masters champion, is looking for a resurgence. While recent form is mixed, his Augusta history means he can`t be counted out if he rediscovers his game.
Lucas Glover
Glover`s recent strong finishes highlight his potential. His fairway accuracy and iron play suit Augusta, making him a dark horse if his putter is hot.
Brian Harman
Harman, the 2023 Open Champion, recently found winning form again. Despite past Masters cuts, his renewed confidence could make him a surprise contender.
J.J. Spaun
Spaun is playing some of his best golf, with high world ranking and recent strong finishes. He could be a surprise contender if his form continues at Augusta.
Akshay Bhatia
Bhatia, a young talent with multiple tour wins and strong recent play, could make a splash in his Masters debut. His current form suggests potential for a surprise.
Jason Day
Day, a former top player, is seeking to recapture his best form at Augusta. While his recent Masters record is mixed, his experience means he could contend if he finds his game.
Adam Scott
Scott, a past Masters champion, is looking for another strong Augusta performance. While his last top-10 was years ago, his history means he could surprise.
Tony Finau
Finau, despite recent struggles, has the talent to turn it around quickly. If his iron play improves, he could be a contender, given his past potential.
Sahith Theegala
Theegala had a strong Masters debut and seeks to recapture that form. If he overcomes recent inconsistencies, he could surprise again at Augusta.
Thomas Detry
Detry, with strong major finishes, makes his Masters debut. His major form suggests he could contend at Augusta if he adapts quickly.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick, a U.S. Open winner, has consistent Masters finishes. If he improves his current ranking, he could contend again at Augusta.
Tom Kim
Kim, a rising star, has made cuts in his first Masters appearances. If he finds consistency, he could contend, building on his Augusta experience.
Corey Conners
Conners has a strong Masters record with multiple top-10s. If his iron play rebounds, he could contend again at Augusta.
Chris Kirk
Kirk has recent top-25s at Augusta. If his putting improves, he could contend and improve on those past performances.
Sam Burns
Burns, a multiple tour winner, seeks better Masters results. If he finds his game at Augusta, he has the talent to surprise.
Michael Kim
Kim returns to the Masters after a long gap. Making the field itself is a success, and he seeks to make the most of his opportunity.
Tier IV: Long Shots
These are the players facing steeper odds, needing near-miracles to win. This tier features past champions and players trying to solve Augusta`s puzzle.
Davis Thompson
Thompson, a Georgia native, makes his Masters debut with recent solid play. He hopes to draw on local support and past form to surprise.
Cam Davis
Davis had a decent Masters debut last year. He seeks to regain early season form and improve on that initial performance.
Aaron Rai
Rai, making his Masters debut, is known for strong iron play. He hopes his iron game translates to Augusta success in his first appearance.
Tom Hoge
Hoge, another strong iron player, seeks to improve on past Masters results. His recent Players finish might boost his confidence at Augusta.
Billy Horschel
Horschel, with recent team event success, seeks individual Masters breakthrough. His recent form and Augusta experience might combine for a better result.
Denny McCarthy
McCarthy`s putting prowess could be key at Augusta. If his putter is hot, he could climb the leaderboard in his second Masters.
Taylor Pendrith
Pendrith, in his Masters debut, enters with recent top-10s. He aims to carry that form into his first Augusta experience.
J.T. Poston
Poston has made recent Masters cuts. He seeks to build on that and achieve a higher finish this year at Augusta.
Phil Mickelson
Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, is a past contender even at age 50+. His Augusta history means he could still surprise, though less likely now.
Nick Taylor
Taylor, a winner this season, seeks to improve major record. Despite recent major struggles, his winning form could translate to a better Masters showing.
Cameron Young
Young, with past Masters top-10s, seeks to regain recent form. If he rediscovers his game at Augusta, he could surprise again.
Sergio Garcia
Garcia, a past Masters champion, marks his 100th major start. While a win is unlikely, his Augusta history is notable.
Danny Willett
Willett, an unlikely past champion, seeks another surprise. Though odds are long, Augusta has seen unexpected wins before.
Laurie Canter
Canter makes his Masters debut after qualifying through world ranking. He aims to make a mark in his first Augusta appearance.
Byeong Hun An
An had a decent Masters last year. He seeks to build on that and improve his finish in his return to Augusta.
Nick Dunlap
Dunlap, a young talent, seeks to turn around recent form. He has the potential to surprise despite current inconsistencies.
Rasmus Højgaard
Højgaard, in his Masters debut, follows his twin brother to Augusta. He aims to make a good first impression in his debut.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout
Bezuidenhout, a good putter, needs his iron game to improve. If his irons click, his putting could make him a surprise contender.
Stephan Jager
Jager seeks to improve on his Masters debut. He aims for a better showing in his second Augusta appearance.
Matthieu Pavon
Pavon had a decent Masters debut. He seeks to recapture that form and improve in his return to Augusta.
Adam Schenk
Schenk seeks to recapture his unexpected good Masters performance. He aims to repeat or better his past Augusta showing.
Tier V: Aiming to Make the Cut
These players are not expected to contend for the win. For them, making the cut at Augusta would be a significant achievement.
Max Homa
Joe Highsmith
Brian Campbell
Rafael Campos
Nico Echavarria
Austin Eckroat
Max Greyserman
Patton Kizzire
Thriston Lawrence
Matt McCarty
Davis Riley
Jhonattan Vegas
Kevin Yu
Many will root for Homa, who has struggled since a strong Masters last year. Others in this tier are first-timers at Augusta, facing historical challenges for debutants.
Riley also debuts at the Masters, hoping to overcome a rough start to the season and make the cut in his first appearance.
Tier VI: Past Champions
These legends compete due to their past victories, but their era of contending for another major is likely over.
Ángel Cabrera
Fred Couples
Zach Johnson
Bernhard Langer
José María Olazábal
Charl Schwartzel
Vijay Singh
Bubba Watson
Mike Weir
This Masters might be Langer`s final appearance, marking his 41st tournament. Couples and Singh, despite age, have shown they can still compete at Augusta, even making the cut in recent years.
Cabrera returns after a hiatus, marking his first Augusta appearance since 2019, following a period away from the tournament.
Tier VII: Amateurs
These are the amateur players, new to the Masters, aiming to follow in the footsteps of past amateurs who made the cut and gained valuable experience.
Josele Ballester
Evan Beck
Justin Hastings
Noah Kent
Hiroshi Tai
Ballester, a U.S. Amateur champion, leads this group. Kent, Beck, Hastings, and Tai are also accomplished amateurs making their Masters debut, hoping to make the cut and gain experience.
