Masters week is in full swing with festivities, with the women’s amateur tournament this past weekend and the par three contest taking place yesterday The Masters feeling is fully in the air. The main show is set to start on Thursday with Davis Riley and Patton Kizzire as the first two players out on Thursday. Of the 95 men teeing it up this week in the field, there are a few players who should get the most attention.
Top Ten Lock
Scottie Scheffler is looking to become the first back-to-back winner since Tiger Woods in the early 2000s and he could be only the third person to do so since the establishment of the Masters in 1934. Despite being a heavy favorite and coming off a top-two finish in his last start this year, this year will be harder than in years past due to the fact that Scheffler injured his hand in a cooking incident over Christmas. This injury delayed Scheffler’s start of the season which has seen him struggle with the putter and the physical aspect of working 72 holes. Still, Scheffler is one of the most consistent ball strikers on tour, gaining over one stroke from tee to green compared to the rest of the field. If Scheffler’s putter gets hot, then he will have the best chance of winning.
Won’t Win
Xander Schauffele is coming off a career year, winning both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship, and he was looking to carry his strong season into 2025. Much like Scheffler, Schauffele is coming off an injury that caused him to miss months of events. Since returning Schauffele has struggled with his game, finishing inside the top-20 once. Still, the Masters isn’t strictly a driving-the-ball straight type of course. Historically, he has performed well at the Masters, but with his rib injury and recent starts indicate that he might not be a contender this weekend.
Could Win
Brooks Koepka is one of a few LIV Golf tour players who can win this week. Koepka has been a major menace for the past eight years, as he thrives for the major moments and performs well under pressure. Koepka, entering his ninth Masters tournament, is hungry to win. Despite not winning yet this year, he has shown great ball striking and past major success, making him a dangerous force coming in the week.
Winner
Rory McIlroy is entering this week looking to complete the career grand slam, having won the other three majors in his early 20s. McIlroy comes into the week as the heavy favorite, as his game appears to be at its best since he won both the Open and the PGA in 2014 and has been the best player in the world since winning at Pebble Beach in February followed by a win at the Players in March. Mcllroy’s biggest problem heading into the weekend at the Masters is his mental state. If he can keep a positive mindset throughout the weekend, don’t be surprised if he is the one slipping on the green jacket on Sunday evening.
All four rounds will be covered by CBS and ESPN+.
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