The Masters Tournament, in its 89th edition, is just around the corner. The big questions on everyone`s mind: Can anyone stop Scottie Scheffler? Which golfers from the LIV circuit might contend for the coveted green jacket? And are there any first-time participants who could surprise?
From prominent players to Masters debutants and potential dark horses, here are five major storylines to keep an eye on this week at Augusta National.
Spotlight on Top Players
Mark Schlabach: All eyes will 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 would be a thrilling narrative for a sport recently dominated by discussions of money and division.
Scheffler has consistently been a top performer in men`s golf for the past few years. He is aiming to join the ranks of Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win the Masters three times within four years. Furthermore, he could become only the fourth golfer to achieve back-to-back Masters victories, following in the footsteps of Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.
Despite missing the first month of the season due to a hand injury and not yet securing a win in 2025, Scheffler`s Augusta track record is undeniable. McIlroy, with two tour wins already this season, is also in excellent form as he seeks his first green jacket in his eleventh attempt. This victory would complete his career Grand Slam and end a major championship drought of over a decade.
LIV Golf`s Potential Impact
Paolo Uggetti: While much attention is given to Scheffler and McIlroy, the LIV Golf players, particularly Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, are intriguing contenders. Rahm is a past Masters champion, and DeChambeau is coming off a U.S. Open win and multiple top major finishes. Despite their proven major championship pedigree, it remains somewhat uncertain how consistently LIV players will perform at the majors. DeChambeau demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level last year, but his last LIV win was back in September 2023.
This week at Augusta, DeChambeau`s performance is a key question mark, making his every shot compelling. The same applies to Rahm, whose LIV performances have been strong, though his only non-LIV event this year saw him miss the cut. However, Rahm`s overall game seems to be trending upwards.
First-Timers to Watch Out For
Schlabach: Thomas Detry, a former standout college golfer, is a notable first-timer after his recent PGA Tour victory at the WM Phoenix Open. He also had strong major finishes last year, including a tie for fourth at the PGA Championship and 14th at the U.S. Open.
While Detry is a good putter, his iron play has been inconsistent, and it`s uncertain if he will find enough fairways at Augusta. Aaron Rai from England is another player to watch, with recent top-20 finishes in majors. Rai`s consistent performance across various strokes gained categories and high driving accuracy make him a contender, especially with his recent top-15 finishes in several high-profile tournaments.
Uggetti: Maverick McNealy, after a seven-year journey, is finally at the Masters following his RSM Classic win. He`s enjoying a career-best season with four top-10 finishes and a runner-up at the Genesis Invitational. McNealy`s strong putting and approach play should keep him competitive at Augusta. If he can manage his driving and short game effectively, the course could be well-suited to his style.
Course Conditions and Impact of Storms
Schlabach: The course was playing fast and firm over the weekend, but recent heavy rain has changed conditions. However, Augusta National`s advanced SubAir system should help dry out the course before Thursday. Warm temperatures are expected throughout the week, minimizing further rain chances.
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in 2024, altering the landscape at Augusta National, particularly on holes 1 and 9 where trees are less dense. While visually different, this might not drastically affect player strategy. The 16th green was rebuilt due to tree damage, and greens on holes 1, 8, and 15 have also been redone.
Uggetti: Xander Schauffele noticed the changed landscape, especially around the 16th hole, making parts of the course feel new. While trees used as aiming points are gone, Schauffele believes the course will play similarly. He suggests players may need to adjust aiming references, like using the bridge on the 11th hole as a new landmark.
McIlroy echoed these observations, noting that while some tee shots might appear less intimidating visually, the course`s fundamental challenge remains unchanged.
Expectations for LIV Golf Players
Schlabach: With a dozen LIV golfers in the field, it`s plausible that two or three could finish in the top 10. However, predicting who is challenging due to inconsistent recent performances from many prominent LIV players. Last week`s event in Miami was a tougher test, and several big names struggled over the weekend.
DeChambeau was still adjusting his game in Miami, finishing fifth. Rahm, the defending Masters champion, finished ninth. Cameron Smith and Patrick Reed are also potential top-10 contenders given their Augusta track records.
Uggetti: LIV player performance is unpredictable. Despite quieter seasons from players like Brooks Koepka, he and others like Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Smith could still perform strongly at Augusta. Joaquín Niemann is one LIV player to watch closely. With two LIV wins this season and strong overall play, Niemann is considered a top player, although his major record is yet to reflect this. This Masters could be his opportunity for a breakthrough major finish.
Under-the-Radar Storyline
Schlabach: Russell Henley, currently ranked No. 7 in the world, is surprisingly under the radar despite his consistent performance. His recent victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and strong overall season highlight his potential. Henley`s accuracy in finding fairways and hitting greens, combined with solid putting, makes him a strong contender at Augusta. He also has improved major finishes in recent years, including a tie for fourth at the 2023 Masters, and has a personal connection to Georgia, where the Masters is held.
Uggetti: Collin Morikawa, ranked No. 4 in the world, is another player not getting enough attention. Despite not winning since 2023, Morikawa has been consistently close and leads in strokes gained on approach shots. His improved putting and motivation to end his winless streak could position him for a strong Masters performance. Akshay Bhatia is a deeper longshot to watch. After his Masters debut last year, Bhatia has risen in the rankings and could contend if his putting is sharp this week.
