The 89th Masters Tournament is just around the corner. The big questions are: Can anyone stop Scottie Scheffler? Which golfers from the LIV circuit might contend for the coveted green jacket this week? And are there any first-time participants who could surprise?
From prominent players to Masters debutants and potential dark horses, here are five key storylines to follow this week at Augusta National.
Spotlight Players This Week
Mark Schlabach: The main focus will undoubtedly be on the world`s top two ranked players: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. A head-to-head showdown between Scheffler and McIlroy on Sunday at Augusta National would be a thrilling spectacle for a sport recently dominated by discussions of money and division.
Scheffler has been a dominant force in men`s golf for much of the last three years. He is aiming to join Jack Nicklaus as only the second golfer to win the Masters three times within four years. Furthermore, he could become just the fourth player 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 record speaks for itself. McIlroy, with two tour victories this season, is also in excellent form and will be seeking his first green jacket in his 11th attempt to complete a career Grand Slam and end a major championship drought spanning over a decade.
Paolo Uggetti: While much attention is given to Scheffler and McIlroy, the unpredictable nature of the Masters intrigues me, leading me to focus on two LIV Golf players who should be considered top contenders: Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Rahm is a past champion here, and DeChambeau is coming off a major win at the U.S. Open last year, along with other high major finishes. However, with LIV Golf still relatively new, it remains uncertain how consistently players` form will translate to major championships. DeChambeau proved he can still contend and win majors, but his last LIV victory was in September 2023. This uncertainty makes every shot from DeChambeau and Rahm compelling to watch this week. Rahm`s consistent LIV performance this season, despite a missed cut at a non-LIV event in January, suggests his game is trending positively.
First-Time Masters Players to Watch
Schlabach: Thomas Detry, a former college standout, earned his first PGA Tour victory at the WM Phoenix Open in February. He also had strong major finishes last year, including a tie for fourth at the PGA Championship. While Detry is a good putter, his iron play is inconsistent, and it`s questionable whether he`ll find enough fairways at Augusta National.
Aaron Rai of England is another player with recent major success, tying for 19th at the 2021 Open Championship and last year`s U.S. Open. Rai ranks high in key statistical categories and is accurate off the tee. He also enters the Masters in good form, with several top-15 finishes in recent tournaments.
Uggetti: Maverick McNealy`s journey to the Masters culminated after winning the RSM Classic in November. He`s currently playing some of his best golf. With multiple top-10 finishes this season, McNealy`s strong putting and approach play should serve him well. If he can drive accurately and improve his short game, Augusta National could suit his style.
Course Conditions and Changes
Schlabach: The course was firm and fast over the weekend, but significant rain on Monday has changed conditions. The course has time to dry out before Thursday, aided by the SubAir system. The forecast predicts high temperatures and minimal rain for the week, except for Friday morning.
Hurricane Helene in September 2024 caused considerable damage at Augusta National, particularly to trees on holes 1 and 9. While visually different, this may not significantly impact strategy. The 16th green was rebuilt due to a fallen tree, and greens on holes 1, 8, and 15 have also been redone, according to McIlroy.
Uggetti: Xander Schauffele noted the missing trees, especially on the 16th, making the back nine feel different. While trees served as aiming points, Schauffele doesn`t expect the course to play drastically differently. McIlroy echoed this, noting some tee shots appear less visually intimidating now, but overall, the course remains largely the same.
LIV Golfers` Performance Expectations
Schlabach: With a dozen LIV players in the field, it`s plausible that two or three could finish in the top 10. However, their inconsistent 2025 form makes it hard to predict who. Last week`s LIV event at Trump National Doral was challenging for many top players. DeChambeau is still refining his game, Rahm had a mediocre final round in Miami, while Cameron Smith and Patrick Reed have strong Augusta records and could contend again.
Uggetti: LIV performance is unpredictable. Despite quiet seasons from players like Brooks Koepka, he could still perform well at a major. Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Smith are also capable on this course. However, Joaquín Niemann stands out as a LIV player to watch. He has multiple LIV wins this season and is highly ranked. Despite a less impressive major record, Niemann`s current form suggests this could be his week to contend.
Under-the-Radar Player to Watch
Schlabach: Russell Henley, currently ranked No. 7 in the world, isn`t getting much attention. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March and has multiple top-10 finishes this season. Henley excels in finding fairways and hitting greens in regulation, crucial for Masters success. He also putts well and has performed well in recent majors, including a tie for fourth at the 2023 Masters. Growing up in Georgia, a Masters win would be a dream come true.
Uggetti: Collin Morikawa, ranked No. 4 globally and leading in strokes gained: approach, is surprisingly under the radar. While he hasn`t won since 2023, he`s been close, including a near-win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. After contending last year, Morikawa`s improved putting and strong motivation could put him back in contention on Sunday. For a longer shot, consider Akshay Bhatia. Now a top-25 player, if his putting is strong, he could have a good week.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham