The 89th Masters Tournament is almost here. Will Scottie Scheffler face a strong challenge? Which golfers from the LIV circuit might contend for the coveted green jacket this week? Are there any first-time players who could surprise?
From prominent golfers and newcomers to those flying under the radar, here are five key storylines for this week at Augusta.
Who Will Be the Focus This Week?
Mark Schlabach: The main focus will likely be on the world`s top two players: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. A showdown between Scheffler and McIlroy on Sunday at Augusta National would be exciting for golf, especially after recent controversies about money and division within the sport.
Scheffler has been a dominant force in men`s golf for the past few years. He`s aiming to join Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win the Masters three times in four years. He could also become only the fourth golfer to win consecutive green jackets, following Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.
Although Scheffler missed the first month of this season due to a hand injury and hasn`t won in 2025 yet, it could be argued that McIlroy has been the best player recently. However, Scheffler is known for his ability to perform exceptionally well at Augusta National.
McIlroy has already secured two tour victories this season and is playing exceptionally well. He will be attempting to win the green jacket for the 11th time to complete a career Grand Slam and end his major championship drought of over a decade.
Paolo Uggetti: While much attention is on Scheffler and McIlroy at the start of this season, the unknown factor of LIV players at the Masters is intriguing. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are two LIV golfers who should be considered favorites.
Rahm is a past Masters champion, and DeChambeau won a major last year at the U.S. Open, along with other top finishes in majors. Despite their credentials, it`s still unclear how LIV players will perform in majors. DeChambeau showed he can still win majors, but his last LIV win was in September 2023.
This uncertainty makes every shot from DeChambeau and Rahm interesting to watch this week at Augusta. Rahm`s performance on LIV this season has been strong, and his game seems to be improving.
First-Timers to Watch
Schlabach: Thomas Detry, a former college star, is a notable first-timer. He recently won his first PGA Tour event at the WM Phoenix Open. He also had strong finishes in last year`s PGA Championship and U.S. Open.
Detry is a good putter, but his iron play has been inconsistent, which might be a challenge at Augusta National.
Aaron Rai from England is another player to watch. He has performed well in recent majors and is statistically strong in several areas, including driving accuracy. He`s also been in good form coming into the Masters.
Uggetti: Maverick McNealy is finally at the Masters after seven years of trying. He won the RSM Classic in November and has been playing some of his best golf. He has several top-10 finishes this season and was a runner-up at the Genesis Invitational earlier this year.
McNealy`s putting and approach game should help him be competitive this week. If he can drive well and improve his short game, Augusta National should suit his style of play.
How Will the Course Play?
Schlabach: The course was firm and fast before recent rain. However, significant rain fell on Monday.
There`s time for the course to dry out before Thursday`s round. The course`s SubAir system is likely working to remove water from the greens. The weather forecast for the week is mostly dry with moderate temperatures, except for possible rain on Friday morning.
Hurricane Helene caused damage in the area last year, affecting some trees at Augusta National. While the loss of trees may be noticeable visually, it probably won`t significantly change the course strategy. The 16th green was rebuilt, and other greens were also redone after the storm.
Uggetti: Xander Schauffele noticed the missing trees, especially on the 16th hole.
`It almost felt like I was playing the back nine for the first time,` Schauffele commented, noting the visual change due to the lost trees.
While the trees served as aiming points, Schauffele doesn`t expect the course to play much differently.
`For the most part, I think the course is going to play the exact same as before,` Schauffele stated, suggesting players will adapt to new references for aiming.
McIlroy agreed with Schauffele, noting that some tee shots might appear less intimidating visually, but overall, the course remains largely the same.
What to Expect from LIV Golfers This Week?
Schlabach: With a dozen LIV players in the field, it`s possible a few could finish in the top 10. However, predicting who is difficult because their recent performances have been inconsistent. A recent LIV event in Miami was challenging for many top players.
DeChambeau was still adjusting his game in Miami. Rahm also had an unremarkable final round. Cameron Smith and Patrick Reed have historically played well at Augusta and could contend for a top 10 finish.
Uggetti: LIV player performance is unpredictable. While players like Brooks Koepka haven`t been very visible this year, he and others like Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Smith could still perform well at Augusta.
Joaquín Niemann is one LIV player to watch closely. He has won twice on LIV this season and is playing at a high level. Despite a less impressive major record, this Masters could be his opportunity to achieve a strong finish.
An Under-the-Radar Story to Watch
Schlabach: Russell Henley, ranked No. 7 in the world, isn`t getting much attention. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year and has had several top-10 finishes.
Henley excels in finding fairways and executing approach shots, crucial for success at Augusta. He`s statistically strong in greens in regulation and driving accuracy and is also a good putter.
Henley has improved his major performances recently, including a tie for fourth at the 2023 Masters. Growing up in Georgia, winning the Masters would be a dream come true for him.
Uggetti: Collin Morikawa might be flying under the radar. Despite being ranked No. 4 in the world and leading in strokes gained: approach, he`s not being discussed much. While he hasn`t won recently, he`s been close and played well last year at the Masters.
Morikawa`s game is strong, and his putting has improved. Like McIlroy, he`s motivated to end his winless streak. He could be a contender on Sunday.
For a longer shot, consider Akshay Bhatia. After his debut Masters last year, he`s now a top 25 player. If his putting is good this week, he could have a strong tournament.
