The golfing world turns its attention to Augusta National this week as the 89th Masters Tournament tees off Thursday, marking the first major championship of the 2025 season. The hallowed grounds will once again host golf's most prestigious gathering, with several compelling storylines emerging ahead of the competition.
Rory McIlroy enters as the betting favorite, carrying momentum from three worldwide victories and five additional top-5 finishes in his last 11 events. The Northern Irishman's quest to complete the career grand slam might finally be realized, as his current form—leading the PGA Tour in adjusted scoring average—paired with seven previous top-10 finishes at Augusta creates a formidable combination.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler faces historical headwinds, as only three players have ever successfully defended a Masters title. Despite a T2 finish at the Houston Open with improved putting, his overall short game performance has been inconsistent in 2025. Scheffler currently ranks 43rd in birdie-or-better percentage and 87th in putting average—a stark contrast to his dominant form before last year's victory.
Collin Morikawa presents an intriguing option, having made the cut in 22 consecutive tournaments while ranking second in strokes gained tee-to-green and third in driving accuracy during this stellar run. With three straight top-10 finishes at Augusta, including a T3 last year and solo fifth in 2022, the two-time major champion needs only average putting to contend.
Justin Thomas arrives with renewed confidence after gaining strokes putting in consecutive tournaments, potentially resolving the weakness that has plagued his otherwise excellent approach play. Thomas has recorded four top-5 finishes this season and boasts previous Masters success, including a T8 in 2022 and solo fourth in 2020.
According to analysis from Statbet, Augusta National historically rewards players who excel in approach play and putting—the two categories showing the strongest correlation with Masters success.
Former champions remain dangerous, with 2023 winner Jon Rahm entering in excellent form after five consecutive top-10 finishes on the LIV Golf circuit. Hideki Matsuyama, despite recent putting struggles, has made the cut in ten straight Masters appearances with eight top-20 finishes during that span, including his 2021 victory.
Will Zalatoris continues his love affair with Augusta, sporting three consecutive top-10 finishes including a solo second in his 2021 debut. His exceptional approach play ranks him 11th in the field in that metric, though putting remains his primary concern.
Jordan Spieth brings his Augusta magic back to a course where he's claimed one green jacket and five additional top-5 finishes. Following recovery from wrist surgery, Spieth has posted two top-10 finishes this season and gained strokes in all major statistical categories.
Phil Mickelson enters his 32nd Masters appearance in surprisingly good form, with four consecutive top-25 finishes in LIV Golf events, including a solo-third in Hong Kong and solo-sixth last week in Miami. The three-time Masters champion could be the top performer among senior players.
Other notable contenders include Russell Henley, fresh off his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational; Viktor Hovland, who recently ended a slump by winning the Valspar Championship; and five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, whose big-game mentality makes him a perpetual threat in major championships.
With challenging green complexes, strategic hole locations, and the ever-present pressure of competing for the green jacket, the 2025 Masters promises to deliver the drama and excellence that golf fans have come to expect from this iconic tournament.
