As the iconic Augusta National gears up for the first major of the year, all eyes are on world number one Scottie Scheffler and Grand Slam hopeful Rory McIlroy in what could be a defining battle for golf’s top honours.
Excitement is mounting at Augusta National as the Masters returns this week, with much of the attention centred on defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, who is aiming to complete golf’s elusive career Grand Slam.
Though last year’s Hurricane Helene brought significant changes to the legendary course — with an estimated 1,500 trees lost — the prestige and anticipation remain undiminished ahead of Thursday’s opening round.
Scheffler, currently ranked world number one, has the chance to become just the fourth player in history to win back-to-back Masters titles. While he has yet to secure a victory this season, his recent second-place finish in Houston signals he’s hitting his stride at the perfect moment. “I’m feeling great – ready to go,” he told reporters earlier this week.
Meanwhile, McIlroy, who boasts seven top-10 finishes at Augusta including a second place in 2022, enters the tournament in impressive form. Despite past setbacks on this course, the 35-year-old has been one of the most consistent and dominant players of the year. However, lifting the Green Jacket would mean joining a rare club of players who have triumphed in all four golf majors – a prospect he’s determined to take in his stride.
“I’m trying not to let all the talk get to me,” said McIlroy. “It’s about approaching this tournament the same way I approach every other one.”
World number three Xander Schauffele is also in the frame. Despite a relatively quiet lead-up, the American should not be overlooked, having captured two major titles last year at the PGA Championship and the British Open.
Adding to the intrigue is the renewed clash between players from the PGA Tour and the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. This Masters marks their first meeting since last July’s British Open. Among the 95 players in the field are 12 representatives from LIV, including seven past champions and crowd favourite Bryson DeChambeau.
This year also brings emotional milestones for a few players. Two-time champion Bernhard Langer, 67, will tee off in what he has announced will be his final Masters appearance. Also returning is 2009 winner Ángel Cabrera, back at Augusta for the first time following a 30-month prison sentence related to domestic violence.
Thursday’s forecast suggests a mild day with temperatures ranging from 8.9°C in the morning to a high of 24.4°C. However, the risk of evening showers and isolated thunderstorms could complicate the latter half of play.
As tradition and modern rivalries intertwine, Augusta once again promises high drama, personal comebacks, and potentially history-making moments.
