World primary Scottie Scheffler once more arrives at Augusta extensively thought of as the man to beat.
The 29-year-old American is already a two-time champion – in 2022 and 2024 – and goes into his seventh look nonetheless having by no means completed exterior the prime 20.
Rory McIlroy can by no means be discounted, after all, as he makes an attempt to turn into solely the fourth man to win back-to-back Masters.
The build-up for the 36-year-old from Northern Ireland has not been as clean because it was 12 months in the past, however he stays amongst the frontrunners regardless of an absence of aggressive motion.
The optimism of three top-10 finishes at the begin of the season was changed by issues a few again damage, which pressured him to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and hampered him at the Players Championship, however he seems over that niggle.
Another American, Bryson DeChambeau, reignites his problem for a primary Green Jacket, hoping to have realized classes from faltering final yr when he went out alongside McIlroy in Sunday’s ultimate pairing.
DeChambeau may nonetheless play on a LIV Tour which has its detractors, however his place amongst the favourites – given his potential and kind proven in two latest victories on the breakaway circuit – can’t be questioned given he is additionally a two-time US Open champion.
Spain’s Jon Rahm is one other LIV participant anticipated to function excessive on the leaderboard. Rahm, who gained in 2023, is a perennial challenger at the majors and searches for a 3rd main title buoyed by main the LIV standings this yr.
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open winner, comes into the match filled with confidence after his latest runners-up end at the Players Championship, whereas he has two Ryder Cup team-mates additionally hitting kind heading into this week.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who was fourth at the Players and joint second in Texas final week has additionally hit kind heading into Augusta, whereas Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg – who was runner-up on his debut in 2024 and seventh final yr – clearly enjoys the check.
