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Masters Tournament 2025: Golfers to Watch at Augusta National
The Masters Tournament at Augusta National is poised for an electrifying week of golf, with Rory McIlroy displaying exceptional form and Scottie Scheffler aiming for his third Green Jacket. A diverse field of emerging talents, seasoned veterans, and dark horses are all vying for the coveted championship title in Georgia, USA.
European Stars Shine Bright
Following an impressive start to the 2025 PGA Tour season, European players present a formidable challenge at Augusta National. Five of them have already secured victories on the US circuit this year, suggesting a strong European presence at this major championship.
LIV Golf Contingent Returns
Adding another layer of intrigue, prominent figures from LIV Golf are back in the mix for the first major of the year, promising intense competition and compelling storylines.
Bryson DeChambeau’s Power Game
Bryson DeChambeau arrives in scorching form, already making his presence felt on the practice range with his prodigious drives, hinting at a powerful performance.
Six Golfers to Watch
Mail Sport has analyzed the field and identified six compelling players to monitor closely at this year’s Masters, each with their unique strengths and storylines.
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This year’s Masters is anticipated to be among the most fiercely contested tournaments in its history.
Ninety-two golfers have gathered at Augusta National, all competing for the sport’s most prized accolade.
Scottie Scheffler vs. Rory McIlroy: A Potential Showdown
The World’s Top Two
The prospect of a Sunday afternoon duel between Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy at Augusta National is undeniably thrilling, setting the stage for a potentially epic finale.
Currently holding the top two positions in world golf rankings, predicting a victor in a head-to-head battle on the final day remains a difficult task for analysts and fans alike.
Scheffler’s Augusta Track Record
While McIlroy boasts more appearances at Augusta, Scheffler possesses a superior Masters record. The American golfer has already triumphed twice at this iconic venue and has consistently finished within the top 20 in all five of his Masters starts.
McIlroy’s Current Form
However, it is the Northern Irishman, McIlroy, who enters with stronger recent form, securing two PGA Tour victories in 2025, notably reclaiming his Players Championship title just last month.
McIlroy’s Refocused Approach
This season reveals a different McIlroy, appearing more composed and confident with his swing. He articulates a strategy of ‘blocking out all the noise’ surrounding him, making his rejuvenated play a genuine pleasure to witness.
This renewed focus follows a tumultuous period including a reversed decision on divorce from his wife, Erica Stoll, and a near-victory at the US Open in Pinehurst.
During Wednesday’s Par Three Contest at Augusta National, McIlroy was visibly relaxed and happy, accompanied by his daughter Poppy and wife Erica.
Pressure at Augusta for McIlroy
The critical question for McIlroy is whether he can effectively manage the ever-present pressure at this distinguished event. Augusta has historically posed challenges for him, evidenced by a pattern of inconsistency between 2021 and 2023, which included a second-place finish bookended by two missed cuts.
Rory McIlroy (pictured with his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy) is considered a leading contender to win at Augusta this week.
The Northern Irishman’s current form is strong, but overcoming past Augusta frustrations is key to securing victory.
McIlroy’s Mindset
Despite past setbacks, the signals emanating from McIlroy this week are encouraging and suggest a shift in approach.
‘It’s just narratives. It’s noise. It’s about trying to block out that noise as much as possible. I need to approach this tournament just like any other tournament I play throughout the year,’ he stated on Tuesday, aiming to minimize external pressures.
‘I understand the narrative and the anticipation, and there’s a lot of buildup every year coming into this tournament, but I must keep focused on my job.’
Scheffler’s New Chapter
Scheffler’s situation presents a slightly different dynamic. As a new father, this Masters experience is unique for Scottie as he seeks to join a select group of golf legends like Sam Snead, Sir Nick Faldo, Phil Mickelson, and Gary Player, in winning three Green Jackets.
Labeling these two as favorites for the week seems almost unavoidable, with McIlroy perhaps holding a slight edge in current form at the outset of the year.
Scheffler’s Masters Pedigree
However, concerning The Masters specifically, the defending champion boasts a stronger track record, despite fewer starts at Augusta than McIlroy.
In his five Augusta appearances, Scheffler has maintained an unblemished top-20 finish record, demonstrating a consistent ability to perform under pressure. His dominant 2024 season included seven PGA Tour victories.
Even after a partial absence in 2025 due to an unusual hand injury sustained while cooking, Scheffler, barring some pollen allergies, appears ready to showcase his best golf again.
‘Yes, this rain and pollen are noticeable. Stepping out of the car in the morning, my eyes start watering. It’s a bit more intense than usual years. But overall, I feel ready,’ Scheffler, with slightly watery eyes, mentioned to reporters earlier in the week, downplaying any physical concerns.
Last year’s champion, Scottie Scheffler, is another top contender expected to challenge McIlroy for the title.
His season start was somewhat hampered by a hand injury, affecting part of his play.
Nonetheless, Scheffler’s skill and past success at Augusta are undeniable, as he aims for his third Green Jacket this weekend.
‘Yes, I’m feeling good, ready to compete.’
Statistical Comparison
Analyzing the statistics, McIlroy may have a marginal advantage in putting this season on the PGA Tour, ranking 10th in strokes gained on the greens. However, Scheffler’s scrambling prowess is exceptional, currently third for par saves from challenging positions, a statistic that will undoubtedly bolster his confidence should he encounter trouble in the pine straw around Augusta.
Choosing between them is incredibly difficult. Based on current form, McIlroy might have a slight edge. However, when Scheffler is performing at his peak, he becomes a near-unbeatable force in the world of golf.
Min Woo Lee: The Rising Star
Day’s High Praise
Former PGA Championship victor Jason Day believes Min Woo Lee ‘has unlimited potential,’ a sentiment that resonates strongly given Lee’s recent performances.
Houston Open Victory
Lee is performing exceptionally this season. The popular and modest Australian arrives at Augusta fresh off a significant victory at the Texas Children’s Houston Open last week—marking his maiden PGA Tour win.
Value Outsider
Bookmakers list him at slightly longer odds compared to established names like Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, and Xander Schauffele, who are considered leading contenders. This makes Lee a potentially high-value outsider for astute bettors and observers.
Putting Prowess
A significant factor attracting golf enthusiasts and coaches to Lee is his exceptional putting ability. Currently ranked fifth on the PGA Tour in putting this season, this confidence on Augusta’s complex greens will undoubtedly benefit the 26-year-old.
Known for being affable, humble, and exceptionally talented, Min Woo Lee’s recent Houston victory positions him as a golfer to watch.
Keegan Bradley: Ryder Cup Captain in Form
Ryder Cup Dilemma
The US Ryder Cup Captain faces a significant decision this year as he strategizes to retain the biennial trophy against Team Europe in New York.
Exceptional Season
The 2011 PGA Championship winner has demonstrated outstanding play throughout this season. Despite not yet securing a tournament win, Bradley must consider the complex choice of whether to both compete and captain the US Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black this September.
Par Three Ace
His excellent form was highlighted during the Par Three Tournament where Bradley achieved a hole-in-one on the challenging 144-yard sixth hole.
Approach Game Strength
Remarkably, this was his third ace of the season. Given the precision of his approach shots, Bradley is strongly positioned to contend for the top of the leaderboard this week.
Excitement for the Masters
‘You feel the excitement, even starting on Monday,’ Bradley commented on his hole-in-one, reflecting the unique atmosphere of the event.
‘It’s such an incredible week. I’m trying to fully appreciate it. Very excited to get started in the morning. Yeah, it’s the best.’
Top Ten Potential
With such high confidence entering the week, predicting at least a top-ten finish for Bradley seems a reasonable expectation.
US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley celebrated a hole-in-one during the Par Three Tournament.
Bradley’s strong form in early 2025 presents him with a significant dilemma: should he be a playing captain at this year’s Ryder Cup or focus solely on captaincy?
Collin Morikawa: ‘Nearly Man’ Ready to Break Through
Shifting Titles
Xander Schauffele was once known as ‘golf’s nearly man,’ frequently in contention but often missing the final victory.
Morikawa’s Consistent Performance
At the start of the 2025 season, that label might now fit Collin Morikawa. The American golfer has consistently performed at an exceptionally high level on the PGA Tour but has narrowly missed clinching a title, with two runner-up finishes at The Sentry and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Imminent Victory
He is clearly on the cusp of victory, and it seems inevitable that he will soon break through and secure his seventh PGA Tour title.
Augusta Course Knowledge
Notably, Morikawa finished tied for third at the 2024 Masters, demonstrating a strong understanding of how to navigate this course effectively.
Iron Play Key at Augusta
‘I’ve gained a better understanding of how to prepare for this week, knowing what aspects of my game need to be sharp,’ he explained, sharing insights into playing Augusta National.
‘You need to hit your irons exceptionally well. Precise iron control is crucial here.’
Wedge Expertise
Interestingly, iron precision is a hallmark of Morikawa’s game, possibly exceeding many of his peers on the PGA Tour. His proficiency with wedges from under 150 yards is particularly outstanding and statistically proven on tour.
Collin Morikawa’s approach play is currently exceptional, leading the PGA Tour in shots gained from under 150 yards.
Even in challenging weather, like the windy conditions at the 2021 Ryder Cup, Morikawa shows great control with mid and short irons.
Windy Conditions Suit Morikawa
Windy conditions are expected at Augusta this week, which may challenge many players’ ball control. However, Morikawa, ranked as the top player on the PGA Tour for approach play this season, should feel confident in managing these conditions comfortably.
Sahith Theegala: The Creative Outsider
Dark Horse Potential
Theegala enters the tournament as an outsider, yet many within the golf world are excited about this 27-year-old talent. Comparisons are being drawn to his debut in 2023, where he remarkably finished ninth at The Masters in his first attempt.
Short Game Flair
He is a promising talent, known for his creativity around the greens. Theegala’s imaginative play allows him to employ a diverse array of short iron techniques to recover from difficult situations.
Low Scoring Threat
This inventiveness around the course could significantly enhance his ability to post competitive, low scores throughout the week, making him a player to watch for unexpected brilliance.
Theegala’s bright talent and impressive short game, allows him to execute varied shots with wedges and long irons, showcasing a creative approach to golf.