Golf fans eagerly anticipating the 2025 Masters Tournament have their eyes fixed on Rory McIlroy, who oddsmakers have positioned as a strong contender at Augusta National. As the prestigious event approaches this April, McIlroy ranks as the second favorite to claim the green jacket at +675 odds, trailing only Scottie Scheffler at +470.
Bookmakers and analysts have expressed considerable confidence in McIlroy's first-round performance, with expectations that he'll place among the top 20 players after Thursday's opening round. This confidence is reflected in his favorable tournament odds, where he's projected at +137 to finish in the top 5 and -143 for a top 10 placement across all four rounds.
McIlroy's consistent performances at Augusta in recent years have made him a perennial favorite, with many golf insiders expecting him to start strong on Thursday. According to Statbet analysis, McIlroy has one of the highest first-round scoring averages among Masters contenders this season, positioning him well for an early tournament run.
The Northern Irish star's quest for a career grand slam continues to be one of golf's most compelling narratives, as the Masters remains the only major championship missing from his trophy case. With the tournament set to begin on April 10, the golfing world will be watching to see if McIlroy can capitalize on his favorable position and make an early statement at Augusta.
While Scheffler remains the statistical favorite, McIlroy's form entering the tournament has many experts predicting a two-horse race for the green jacket. The opening round will be particularly crucial for establishing momentum at the notoriously challenging Augusta National course, where early positioning often predicts tournament success.
