Golf’s Greatest Stage Awaits

The Defending Champion Returns

Scottie Scheffler (+450) enters as the betting favorite, and for good reason. With two Masters victories already under his belt, he knows exactly what it takes to conquer Augusta National. However, by his lofty standards, Scheffler’s 2025 has started somewhat slowly with no victories yet this season and only two top-5 finishes in six events.

Rory’s Grand Slam Quest Continues

Rory McIlroy (+650) arrives in excellent form with two victories in five events this year. Outside of Scheffler, he’s been arguably the best player in golf over the past five years. But those final-round major championship struggles loom large. The mental hurdles at Augusta might be his biggest challenge.

The Precision Master

Collin Morikawa (+1400) brings statistical excellence to Augusta, ranking first in shots gained on approach and second in shots gained overall. His precision iron play is perfect for this course. His challenge? Converting those great positions into victories – with 11 runner-up finishes to just 6 wins in his PGA Tour career, including two solo seconds already this year.

The Power Player

Bryson DeChambeau (+1600) elevated his game by winning last year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst. His T6 at Augusta last year suggests he’s figuring out how to harness his power on these hallowed grounds. The 393 balls he reportedly hit on the range Tuesday shows his determination to master this course.

The Rising Swedish Star

Ludvig Åberg (+2000) – nicknamed “Golf Lundgren” by some – finished runner-up in his Augusta debut last year. This young talent is expected to contend in majors for decades to come. The concern? Two straight missed cuts coming into Masters week isn’t ideal preparation.

The Former Champion Seeking Redemption

Justin Thomas (+2200) brings solid overall statistics (8th in shots gained) and major-winning experience to Augusta. With two PGA Championships already won, JT knows how to close on Sundays. However, he’s missed the cut at Augusta the past two years – a troubling trend he’ll need to reverse.

The Olympic Champion

Xander Schauffele (+2200) silenced the “can’t win the big one” critics with his major breakthrough last year. Ranking third in shots gained on approach is a perfect skill set for Augusta. The question mark? He’s coming off a rib injury and may still be finding his form.

The International Contenders

Joaquin Niemann (+3000) enters with high praise from Phil Mickelson as “the world’s best golfer” but zero top-10 finishes in majors doesn’t support that claim. Brooks Koepka (+3300), golf’s ultimate big-game hunter, hasn’t shown his usual major form lately. And 2021 champion Hideki Matsuyama (+3300) brings Augusta knowledge but inconsistent recent form.

Our Better Golf News Predictions

History shows this is where golf’s elite players shine brightest. All winners at Augusta during the 2020s have been former or current world No. 1s (except Matsuyama, who reached No. 2).

We’re leaning toward Scottie Scheffler completing the rare back-to-back Masters victories – though Rory McIlroy’s excellent early-season form makes him an extremely dangerous challenger if he can avoid his traditional slow start in Thursday’s opening round.

Collin Morikawa also deserves serious consideration with three straight top-10 finishes at Augusta. His precision iron play seems perfectly suited for these demanding greens.