The 89th Masters Tournament is just around the corner. The big questions are: Can Scottie Scheffler win again? Which golfers from the LIV tour might compete for the coveted green jacket this week? And are there any first-time players who could surprise us?
From prominent players to Masters rookies and potential dark horses, here are five key storylines to follow this week at Augusta.
Who Will Be the Focus This Week?
Mark Schlabach: The spotlight will definitely be on the world`s top two players: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. A head-to-head battle between Scheffler and McIlroy on Sunday at Augusta National would be thrilling for golf fans, especially given the recent controversies and financial discussions in the sport.
Scheffler has consistently been a top performer in men`s golf for the past few years. He`s aiming to join Jack Nicklaus as only the second golfer to win the Masters three times in a four-year period. He also has the chance to become only the fourth golfer to win consecutive Masters titles, following in the footsteps of Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.
Despite missing the first month of the season due to a hand injury and not yet securing a win in 2025, Scheffler`s Augusta National track record speaks for itself. However, McIlroy has had a strong start to the year and could be considered the best player in recent months.
McIlroy has already claimed two tour victories this season and is in excellent form. He will be making his 11th attempt to win a green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam, which would also mark his first major championship win in over a decade.
Paolo Uggetti: While Scheffler and McIlroy are understandably the main focus, I`m intrigued by the LIV players, particularly Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, as potential frontrunners at this Masters.
Rahm is a past Masters champion, and DeChambeau is coming off a U.S. Open victory last year, along with other strong major finishes. However, with LIV Golf being relatively new, it`s uncertain how consistently LIV players will perform in major tournaments. DeChambeau demonstrated last year he can still contend in majors, but his last LIV win was in September 2023.
It`s hard to predict how this will play out at Augusta. DeChambeau`s performance, like Rahm`s consistent play on LIV (with his worst finish being a tie for ninth), makes them compelling to watch. Rahm`s game seems to be in good shape, despite a missed cut at a non-LIV event in Dubai in January.
First-Timers to Watch
Schlabach: I`m interested in Thomas Detry, who previously starred at Illinois and recently secured his first PGA Tour win at the WM Phoenix Open. He also had strong finishes at last year`s PGA Championship and U.S. Open.
Detry is a good putter, but his iron play has been inconsistent, and it`s questionable whether he`ll hit enough fairways to contend at Augusta National.
Aaron Rai from England is another player to watch, with recent major success, including top-20 finishes at the Open Championship and U.S. Open. Rai is statistically strong in several areas and has been in good form leading up to the Masters.
Uggetti: Maverick McNealy`s journey to the Masters has been long, but he finally qualified after winning the RSM Classic and is currently playing excellent golf. The Stanford graduate has several top-10 finishes this season and was a runner-up at the Genesis Invitational earlier this year.
McNealy`s strong putting and approach play should help him be competitive this week. If he can drive the ball well and improve his short game, Augusta National could be a good fit for his style of play.
Course Conditions
Schlabach: The course was firm and fast over the weekend, but heavy rain on Monday changed things.
There`s time to dry the course before Thursday, and Augusta National`s SubAir system is likely working hard. The weather forecast for the week is mostly dry with moderate temperatures, except for a possible chance of rain Friday morning.
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in September 2024, affecting Augusta National. Trees are less dense on some holes, mainly a visual change for returning visitors, but probably not strategically significant for players. The 16th green was rebuilt due to a fallen tree, and other greens were also redone.
Uggetti: Xander Schauffele noticed the missing trees at Augusta National, especially on the 16th hole.
`It felt like playing the back nine for the first time,` Schauffele commented. `Seeing how many trees are gone is quite striking and a bit sad.`
Schauffele explained that trees at Augusta served as aiming points. While some are gone, he doesn`t expect a major change in course play.
`For the most part, the course will play the same,` Schauffele said. `You might need to find new aiming references, like using the bridge instead of trees on the 11th.`
McIlroy agreed with Schauffele`s observations.
`From the tee, some shots look less visually intimidating now,` McIlroy noted. `Some overhanging trees are gone. But otherwise, it`s largely the same. Just a slightly different look from some tees.`
LIV Golfers Expectations
Schlabach: With a dozen LIV players in the field, it`s possible a few could finish in the top 10. However, predicting who is challenging as many of the usual top names have been inconsistent in 2025. A recent LIV tournament was on a challenging course, and many big names struggled.
DeChambeau was still adjusting his game leading into that event and finished fifth. Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, tied for ninth. Cameron Smith and Patrick Reed have good Augusta records and could contend again.
Uggetti: LIV performances can be unpredictable. Despite quieter seasons from players like Brooks Koepka, he could still perform well at a major. The same is true for Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Smith, whose games suit Augusta.
However, Joaquín Niemann is one LIV player to watch closely this week. He`s had multiple wins this season and is playing like a top player. Despite not having a top-10 major finish yet, this Masters could be his opportunity for a strong showing.
Under-the-Radar Story
Schlabach: Russell Henley, despite being a five-time PGA Tour winner and ranked No. 7 in the world, isn`t getting much attention. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year and has had several top-10 finishes.
Henley excels at accuracy and approach shots, crucial for Masters success. He ranks high in greens in regulation and driving accuracy and is a good putter.
Henley has improved his major performances recently, including a fourth-place finish at the 2023 Masters. Growing up in Georgia, winning the Masters would be a dream come true for him.
Uggetti: Collin Morikawa seems to be flying under the radar. Despite being ranked No. 4 in the world and leading in approach play, he`s not a major focus. A two-time major champion, Morikawa hasn`t won recently but has been close, including a near-win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this year.
Last year, Morikawa was in contention on Sunday but couldn`t keep pace with Scheffler. This year, his game is arguably better, and he`s motivated to end his winless streak. He could very well be in contention again on Sunday.
For a longer shot, consider Akshay Bhatia. After his Masters debut last year, Bhatia is now a top-25 player. If his putting is strong, he could have a good week.
