World primary Scottie Scheffler once more arrives at Augusta extensively thought-about as the person 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 highest 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 Eire has not been as clean because it was 12 months in the past, however he stays among the many frontrunners regardless of a scarcity of aggressive motion.
The optimism of three top-10 finishes firstly of the season was changed by issues a couple of again harm, which compelled him to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and hampered him on the Gamers Championship, however he seems over that niggle.
One other American, Bryson DeChambeau, reignites his problem for a primary Inexperienced Jacket, hoping to have realized classes from faltering final yr when he went out alongside McIlroy in Sunday’s remaining pairing.
DeChambeau would possibly nonetheless play on a LIV Tour which has its detractors, however his place among the many favourites – given his capability and type proven in two current victories on the breakaway circuit – can’t be questioned given he’s 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 on 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 event stuffed with confidence after his current runners-up end on the Gamers Championship, whereas he has two Ryder Cup team-mates additionally hitting type heading into this week.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who was fourth on the Gamers and joint second in Texas final week has additionally hit type heading into Augusta, whereas Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg – who was runner-up on his debut in 2024 and seventh final yr – clearly enjoys the take a look at.
