AUGUSTA, Ga. — Fifteen-time major champion Tiger Woods will miss the 89th Masters due to recovery from a ruptured left Achilles tendon. However, anticipation remains high as the world`s best golfers gather at Augusta National Golf Club this week.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler aims to join Jack Nicklaus as the only golfers to secure three green jackets within four years. He also seeks to become the fourth player in Masters history to win consecutively, following Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Woods.

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy enters with strong form, possibly exceeding Scheffler`s. McIlroy is pursuing the career Grand Slam, needing a Masters victory to complete it. This marks his 11th attempt to achieve this milestone and end a major championship drought of over a decade.

These are not the only compelling narratives. For the first time in eight months, top golfers from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf League will compete in the same tournament.

`It’s a week that we all cherish the most,` said three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson. `It’s the start of the major championship series. History is made there every year.`

Here’s a ranking of the 96 golfers in the field, categorized from potential winners to those aiming to make the cut.

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Tier I: The Clear Favorites

While a Scheffler-McIlroy duel is anticipated, golfers like Collin Morikawa, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele are strong contenders. These golfers have the highest probability of winning a green jacket this Sunday.

Scottie Scheffler
Despite a right-hand injury earlier in the season, the world No. 1 is regaining momentum. He recently tied for second at the Texas Children`s Houston Open. Scheffler seeks his first victory of the season and aims to win his third Masters in four years.

Rory McIlroy
This Masters might be McIlroy`s best chance to secure a green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam. With two pre-April victories and exceptional current form, he could be the golfer to beat at Augusta National.

Collin Morikawa
Morikawa leads in strokes gained from tee to green, a key statistic for Masters champions. Despite not winning since October 2023, he is poised to break his drought. He finished third at the 2024 Masters.

Jon Rahm
The 2023 Masters champion aims to contend again after a less successful title defense in 2024. Rahm has shown strong performances in LIV Golf and has a history of top finishes at Augusta National.

Ludvig Åberg
In his Masters debut last year, Åberg finished second. He contended for the win until a water ball on No. 11. Åberg seeks to become the first Masters first-time winner since 1979.

Ludvig Aberg finished in second place in his first appearance at the Masters.

Bryson DeChambeau
After a strong first round in 2024, DeChambeau aims for a more consistent performance. He achieved his best Masters finish in 2024, tying for sixth.

Xander Schauffele
Schauffele has a strong Masters record with multiple top-10 finishes. Recovering from an injury, he is rounding into form and could be a serious contender.

Brooks Koepka
As a five-time major champion, Koepka is always a threat. He has multiple top-10s at Augusta and seeks to convert his experience into a Masters victory.

Tier II: The Contenders

These golfers are strong contenders with the skill and composure to win at Augusta.

Justin Thomas
Thomas is showing improved form, coming off a second-place finish at the Valspar Championship. He aims to contend at the Masters after past struggles at Augusta.

Cameron Smith
Smith has a strong Masters track record, consistently finishing in the top 10. He is a threat to win if his game aligns this week.

Tommy Fleetwood
Fleetwood achieved his first Masters top-10 in 2024. With consistent play this season, he could build on that success.

Tyrrell Hatton
Hatton has been in excellent form and exorcised some Augusta demons with a top-10 finish in 2024. He aims to overcome his struggles on the 15th hole.

Jordan Spieth
Approaching the 10th anniversary of his 2015 win, Spieth is showing signs of resurgence after wrist surgery. He hopes to leverage his Masters experience.

Joaquín Niemann
Niemann seeks his first major top-10 after multiple worldwide wins. He has improved his Masters finishes in recent years.

Hideki Matsuyama
The 2021 Masters champion started the season strong. While his driving accuracy is a concern, his Augusta experience is valuable.

Russell Henley
Henley, a Georgia native, won the Arnold Palmer Invitational and has performed well at the Masters before. His local ties and current form make him a contender.

Sepp Straka
Straka has steadily improved his Masters results. With a win this season, he could continue his progression.

Viktor Hovland
Hovland recently won the Valspar Championship, indicating a potential return to form. It remains to be seen if this win is a turning point.

Min Woo Lee
Lee secured his first PGA Tour win at the Houston Open. With previous top-25 Masters finishes, he is one to watch.

Patrick Reed
The 2018 Masters champion consistently performs well at Augusta. He is always a threat to contend.

Justin Rose
A two-time Masters runner-up, Rose has the experience to contend. Despite inconsistent recent form, his Augusta history is notable.

Daniel Berger
Berger is playing well after a back injury recovery. He aims to improve on his past Masters performances.

Keegan Bradley
Bradley has improved his Masters results recently. He hopes to carry his Ryder Cup captaincy momentum into Augusta.

Robert MacIntyre
MacIntyre returns to the Masters with improved world ranking and tour wins. He looks to build on his past Augusta experience.

Will Zalatoris
Zalatoris has a strong Masters record with three straight top-10s. Putting remains a key area for improvement.

Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay has consistent major finishes and aims to improve his Masters results. He is a steady contender.

Shane Lowry
Lowry has been in contention this season with several high finishes. He looks to improve on his past Masters best of third place.

Maverick McNealy
McNealy makes his Masters debut after a strong season. His recent form elevates him to contender status.

Harris English
English, another Georgia native, has a win this season. His putting prowess could be advantageous at Augusta.

Nicolai Højgaard
Højgaard impressed in his Masters debut in 2024. He aims for a more consistent performance this year.

Tier III: If Everything Goes Right

These are sleeper candidates who could win if they have a perfect week at Augusta.

Wyndham Clark
Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, has had inconsistent form. If he finds his rhythm, he could surprise at Augusta.

Sungjae Im
Im has a mixed Masters record with high finishes and missed cuts. Consistency is key for him to contend.

Dustin Johnson
The 2020 Masters champion`s LIV Golf form has been mixed. A return to Augusta form is possible for DJ.

Lucas Glover
Glover is coming off strong finishes. His fairway accuracy and iron play suit Augusta well.

Brian Harman
The 2023 Open Champion recently won the Valero Texas Open. He looks to improve on his past Masters performances.

J.J. Spaun
Spaun is playing some of his best golf. He could be a surprise contender if his form continues.

Akshay Bhatia
Bhatia, a young talent with two tour wins, has strong overall stats. He is an exciting dark horse.

Jason Day
Day`s best Masters finish was in 2019. A return to that form could put him in contention.

Adam Scott
The 2013 Masters champion seeks another green jacket. His Augusta experience is invaluable.

Tony Finau
Finau has struggled recently, particularly with his iron play. He needs to regain his form to contend.

Sahith Theegala
Theegala had a good Masters debut in 2023. He needs more consistency this season to replicate that.

Thomas Detry
Detry has performed well in recent majors. This is his first Masters, and he could make a strong debut.

Matt Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open winner, has consistent Masters finishes. He seeks to improve his world ranking.

Tom Kim
Kim has made the cut in his first two Masters. Inconsistency has marked his 2025 season so far.

Corey Conners
Conners has a strong Masters record with multiple top-10s. His iron play needs to sharpen for this year.

Chris Kirk
Kirk has back-to-back top-25s at Augusta. Improved putting is crucial for another strong finish.

Sam Burns
Burns has had mixed Masters results. Consistency is needed for a weekend presence.

Michael Kim
Kim returns to the Masters after a long gap. Making the cut would be a significant achievement.

Tier IV: Hey, Miracles Happen

These are long shots who would need a miraculous week to contend for the green jacket.

Davis Thompson
Thompson, a Georgia native, is playing solid golf. A strong Masters debut is possible.

Cam Davis
Davis showed promise at the 2024 Masters. He needs to overcome recent missed cuts.

Aaron Rai
Rai makes his Masters debut as a strong iron player. A good showing in his first appearance is hoped for.

Tom Hoge
Hoge, another solid iron player, is coming off a good finish. He seeks to improve his Masters record.

Billy Horschel
Horschel makes his return to Augusta. Consistent cuts at the Masters are a positive sign.

Denny McCarthy
McCarthy`s putting could be his key to a good Masters. He debuted at Augusta last year.

Taylor Pendrith
Pendrith makes his Masters debut with several top-10s this season. A strong first showing is desired.

J.T. Poston
Poston has made consecutive cuts at Augusta. Steady play is his strength.

Phil Mickelson
Mickelson, a three-time Masters winner, had a strong performance in 2023. Another surprise is not impossible.

Nick Taylor
Taylor won the Sony Open but has struggled in majors recently. He aims to reverse this trend.

Cameron Young
Young had consecutive top-10s at the Masters but recent form is a concern. He needs to rediscover his Augusta magic.

Sergio Garcia
Garcia marks his 100th major start. A return to his 2017 winning form would be a major surprise.

Danny Willett
Willett, an unexpected 2016 champion, could surprise again. Lightning could strike twice.

Laurie Canter
Canter makes his Masters debut. A strong first impression is his goal.

Byeong Hun An
An had a decent Masters in 2024. He aims to improve on his past results.

Nick Dunlap
Dunlap, a young talent, needs to turn around recent form. A strong Masters showing is within his potential.

Rasmus Højgaard
Højgaard makes his Masters debut, following his twin brother. A good first tournament is anticipated.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout
Bezuidenhout`s putting is strong, but iron play needs improvement. He aims to overcome recent struggles.

Stephan Jager
Jager returns for his second Masters. Making the cut is his immediate goal.

Matthieu Pavon
Pavon debuted well at the Masters but has had a tough season. He seeks to recapture his Augusta form.

Adam Schenk
Schenk surprised with a good finish last year. He needs to overcome recent missed cuts.

Tier V: Happy to Make the Cut

For these golfers, making the cut at Augusta would be a significant achievement.

Max Homa
Joe Highsmith
Brian Campbell
Rafael Campos
Nico Echavarria
Austin Eckroat
Max Greyserman
Patton Kizzire
Thriston Lawrence
Matt McCarty
Davis Riley
Jhonattan Vegas
Kevin Yu

Max Homa seeks to improve on his third-place finish from last year. Several golfers in this tier are Masters debutants, which historically presents a challenge.

Tier VI: Past Champions

These past Masters winners are competing, but their chances of winning another major are slim.

Ángel Cabrera
Fred Couples
Zach Johnson
Bernhard Langer
José María Olazábal
Charl Schwartzel
Vijay Singh
Bubba Watson
Mike Weir

Bernhard Langer is expected to make his final Masters appearance. Fred Couples and Vijay Singh continue to defy age, making cuts in recent years. Ángel Cabrera returns to Augusta after a period away.

Tier VII: Amateurs

These amateur players are the future of golf, aiming to make the cut and gain valuable experience.

Josele Ballester
Evan Beck
Justin Hastings
Noah Kent
Hiroshi Tai

Josele Ballester is a highly ranked amateur with ties to Sergio Garcia. Evan Beck qualified through the U.S. Mid-Amateur. Justin Hastings represents the Cayman Islands. Hiroshi Tai is the first Singaporean golfer at the Masters. Noah Kent was a U.S. Amateur runner-up.