The 89th Masters Tournament is just around the corner. The big questions are swirling: Can anyone stop Scottie Scheffler`s dominance? Which golfers from the LIV circuit might contend for the coveted green jacket? And are there any newcomers who could surprise us this week at Augusta?
From the top players to first-time participants and potential dark horses, here are five compelling storylines to keep an eye on during this year`s Masters.
Focus on the Frontrunners
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on the world`s top two players: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. A head-to-head showdown between Scheffler and McIlroy on Sunday at Augusta National would be a thrilling spectacle for a sport recently overshadowed by financial disputes and divisions.
Scheffler has consistently been the dominant force in men`s golf for the majority of the last three years. He`s aiming to join the legendary Jack Nicklaus as one of the few to win the Masters three times within four years. Furthermore, he could become only the fourth golfer in history to win consecutive green jackets, 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 still seeking his first victory in 2025, Scheffler`s Augusta National track record speaks for itself. However, McIlroy has a strong case for being the best player in recent months, having already secured two tour wins this season and demonstrating exceptional form. McIlroy is making his 11th attempt to win a green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam, which would also end his major championship winless streak of over a decade.
While Scheffler and McIlroy have dominated the pre-tournament conversation, the intrigue of the Masters often lies in the unexpected. This leads me to consider two LIV Golf players who should be considered among the favorites: Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Rahm is a past Masters champion, having won in 2023, and DeChambeau is coming off a U.S. Open victory last year, along with two other top-6 finishes in majors. Statistically, they are strong contenders. However, with LIV Golf in its third year, it`s still uncertain how consistently players` form on that tour will translate to major championships. DeChambeau proved last year he can still contend and win majors, but his last LIV win was in September 2023.
This uncertainty makes every shot from DeChambeau and Rahm fascinating to watch this week at Augusta. Rahm`s worst LIV finish this season is a tie for ninth, and despite missing the cut at a non-LIV event in January, his overall game appears to be trending upwards.
Rookies to Watch Out For
Thomas Detry, a former standout golfer from Illinois, is an intriguing first-timer. He secured his first PGA Tour victory at the WM Phoenix Open in February. 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 good putter, his iron play has been inconsistent, and it`s questionable if he will find enough fairways to contend at Augusta National.
Aaron Rai from England is another player with recent major success, tying for 19th at both the 2021 Open Championship and last year’s U.S. Open. Rai ranks well in strokes gained categories and is known for his driving accuracy. He also enters the Masters in good form, with top-15 finishes in several recent tournaments.
Maverick McNealy`s journey to the Masters has been a long one, finally arriving after winning the RSM Classic in November. He`s currently playing some of the best golf of his career. The Stanford graduate has four top-10 finishes this season, including a runner-up finish at the Genesis Invitational.
McNealy`s putting and approach game should be beneficial at Augusta. If he can drive the ball consistently and improve his short game around the greens, the course should suit his strengths.
Course Conditions and Impact
The course was playing firm and fast leading up to the tournament, but heavy rain on Monday dumped over an inch of water.
There`s ample time to dry out the course before Thursday`s first round, and Augusta National`s SubAir system is likely working hard to remove excess water. The forecast for the week is mostly dry with temperatures in the high 60s and 70s, except for a chance of rain Friday morning.
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to Augusta National and the surrounding area in September 2024. While the loss of trees on holes 1 and 9 is mostly a visual change for returning patrons and might not drastically alter golfers’ strategies, the 16th green had to be rebuilt due to a fallen tree, and greens on holes 1, 8, and 15 were also renovated.
Xander Schauffele noted the noticeable absence of trees on the 16th hole and around the course during a practice round.
`It almost felt like I was playing the back nine for the first time,` Schauffele commented, observing how many trees had fallen. He explained that these trees often served as aiming points for tee shots. While some are gone, he doesn`t expect a significant change in how the course plays overall.
`For the most part, I think the course is going to play the exact same as before,` Schauffele stated. `You may have to adjust your aiming points, but the fundamental challenge remains.`
McIlroy echoed Schauffele`s sentiments, noting that some tee shots might appear less intimidating visually due to the missing trees, but the course`s essence remains largely unchanged.
LIV Golfers` Performance Expectations
With a dozen LIV players in the field, it`s plausible that two or three could finish in the top 10. However, predicting which ones is challenging due to inconsistent performances in 2025. A recent LIV tournament at Trump National Doral presented a tougher test, and many prominent names struggled over the weekend.
DeChambeau was still refining his game leading into that event, finishing fifth. Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, tied for ninth. Cameron Smith and Patrick Reed have strong Augusta records and could contend for a top-10 finish again.
LIV Golf performances can be unpredictable. While players like Brooks Koepka haven`t been highly visible this year, he, along with Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Smith, possesses games well-suited for Augusta and could contend.
However, Joaquín Niemann is one LIV player to watch closely. He has two LIV wins this season, along with a win at the Saudi International, and is currently ranked as a top player. While his major record isn`t stellar, his current form suggests this could be his breakthrough week.
The Under-the-Radar Storyline
Russell Henley, ranked No. 7 in the world, is surprisingly flying under the radar. Despite being a five-time PGA Tour winner, including a victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March, he`s not getting much attention. He has four top-10 finishes in seven starts this season.
Henley excels in finding fairways and executing precise second shots, crucial for Masters success. He ranks highly in greens in regulation and driving accuracy and is a strong putter.
Henley has performed well in majors recently and tied for fourth at the 2023 Masters. Growing up in Georgia, winning the Masters would be a dream come true for him.
Collin Morikawa is another top player who seems to be overlooked. Currently ranked No. 4 in the world, he`s arguably in great form. While he hasn`t won since 2023, he`s been close, including a near-win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this year.
Morikawa had a chance to win last year but faded on Sunday. This year, with improved putting and strong motivation, he could be a serious contender again.
For a longer shot, consider Akshay Bhatia. After his Masters debut last year, he`s now a top-25 player. If his putting clicks, he could have a strong tournament.
