The Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club remains one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the world of golf. Every April, the world’s best golfers gather at the iconic Georgia course to compete for one of the most coveted titles in sports. The 2025 edition promises to be no different, with several heavyweights and rising stars already drawing significant attention. Among them are the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and other talented golfers who have shown immense promise and skill at Augusta in recent years.
As the countdown to the 2025 Masters begins, let’s take a closer look at the players who will be the favorites heading into the tournament. This big board highlights key players, their past performances, and why they are expected to shine come Masters week.
1. Scottie Scheffler – The Reigning King of Augusta
Scottie Scheffler’s rise to the top of the golf world has been nothing short of spectacular. With a remarkable 2022 season that saw him capture multiple PGA Tour titles, including his first major victory at the 2022 Masters, Scheffler enters the 2025 Masters as one of the leading contenders. His calm demeanor and precision on the course make him a formidable competitor at Augusta, a place where patience and strategy are just as important as skill.
In the 2022 Masters, Scheffler demonstrated his ability to handle the pressure of Augusta’s difficult layout. His 3-shot victory over Rory McIlroy showed that he has the poise and talent to win in major championships. As the number-one ranked player in the world, Scheffler’s consistency and form over the last few seasons make him a serious contender for a second Masters win in 2025.
His impressive driving accuracy, combined with an iron game that rarely falters under pressure, makes him one of the favorites to conquer Augusta National again. If Scheffler continues his form leading up to the Masters, there’s little doubt that he will be a name to watch.
2. Rory McIlroy – Chasing the Elusive Green Jacket
Rory McIlroy’s quest to complete the career Grand Slam has been one of the most compelling storylines in recent Masters history. The Northern Irishman, who already has four major titles to his name, has long been regarded as one of the most gifted players in the game. However, despite his successes in other majors, McIlroy has never been able to secure a victory at Augusta.
In 2022, McIlroy showed glimpses of his brilliance with a thrilling final-round 64, which was good enough to vault him into second place behind Scheffler. His performance was a reminder of the immense potential he holds at Augusta, but the elusive green jacket still remains just out of reach. However, McIlroy’s combination of power, finesse, and an all-around game that suits Augusta’s layout means he will undoubtedly be one of the favorites heading into the 2025 Masters.
With a renewed focus on his putting and short game, McIlroy has taken steps to improve his performance at Augusta in recent years. If he can stay mentally sharp and avoid some of the inconsistencies that have plagued his game in the past, McIlroy could finally complete his career Grand Slam in 2025.
3. Jon Rahm – A Rising Star with Augusta Potential
Jon Rahm is another player who has shown that he has the game to compete at Augusta National. The Spaniard, who secured his first major victory at the 2021 U.S. Open, has quickly become one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour. Rahm has also enjoyed considerable success at Augusta, with several top-10 finishes to his name.
Rahm’s aggressive style of play, particularly his powerful driving and exceptional iron game, gives him an edge at Augusta. He has the ability to overpower the course, but more importantly, he has the mental fortitude to handle the tough conditions that Augusta presents. Rahm has a fiery competitive spirit that makes him a dangerous contender, and with a few adjustments to his putting, he could very well find himself in contention for his first Masters win in 2025.
If Rahm can refine his short game and avoid the double-bogey mistakes that have occasionally derailed his rounds, he will be one of the top contenders in the 2025 Masters.
4. Patrick Cantlay – The Quiet but Effective Contender
Patrick Cantlay is one of the more underrated players on the PGA Tour, but his consistency and composure make him a formidable threat at Augusta. Known for his steady play and unflappable demeanor, Cantlay has steadily climbed the ranks of the golf world and is now considered one of the top players in the game.
Cantlay’s game is well-suited to Augusta’s demanding layout. His accurate ball striking, combined with an excellent short game, allows him to navigate Augusta’s greens with ease. His performances at the Masters have been solid, with several top-10 finishes over the years. He is a player who thrives in pressure situations, and his calm approach to the game will serve him well at Augusta in 2025.
If Cantlay can find a way to unlock his potential on Augusta’s tricky par-5s and continue his strong play leading into the tournament, he will certainly be in the mix for his first major victory at the 2025 Masters.
5. Jordan Spieth – The Masters Specialist
Jordan Spieth’s history at Augusta National is well-documented, and he is one of the few players who has truly made Augusta his home. Spieth’s victory at the 2015 Masters was a dominant performance, and he has finished in the top-3 in the tournament on multiple occasions since then. His record at Augusta makes him one of the favorites heading into the 2025 Masters.
Spieth’s short game and putting are second to none, which has often been the key to his success at Augusta. He has an innate ability to read the greens and make clutch putts when it matters most. However, his ball-striking has been inconsistent in recent years, and this has occasionally held him back. If Spieth can regain the form that helped him dominate Augusta in his prime, he will be a serious contender for his second green jacket in 2025.
6. Cameron Smith – The Master of the Short Game
Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open Championship winner, has become one of the most exciting players on the PGA Tour in recent years. Smith’s ability around the greens is exceptional, and he has earned a reputation as one of the best putters in the game. His short game will be a critical asset when it comes to navigating Augusta’s notoriously tricky greens.
Smith’s performance at Augusta in 2022 was impressive, as he finished tied for 3rd, and he has the potential to go even further in 2025. His combination of creativity and skill around the greens, along with a reliable long game, makes him a well-rounded player capable of contending in major tournaments.
If Smith can continue to improve his driving accuracy and distance off the tee, he could very well be in the mix for his first Masters victory in 2025.
7. Collin Morikawa – The Consistent Contender
Collin Morikawa is another player who has quickly become one of the top young stars in golf. With two major victories to his name, including a breakthrough win at the 2020 PGA Championship, Morikawa has shown that he has the game to compete at the highest level. His ball-striking is among the best in the world, and his iron play is perfectly suited for the challenges posed by Augusta National.
Morikawa’s ability to hit precise, controlled shots into Augusta’s small greens gives him an edge over many of the other players. He may not be the longest hitter on the tour, but his accuracy and short game make him a serious contender at Augusta. With the right preparation and mindset, Morikawa could add a Masters victory to his already impressive resume in 2025.
8. Tiger Woods – The King’s Return
No discussion of the Masters is complete without mentioning Tiger Woods. Although his career has been marred by injuries, Woods’ legacy at Augusta remains unparalleled. The five-time Masters champion has long been considered one of the best players in the history of the tournament, and his return to Augusta in 2025 will be one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the week.
While Woods is no longer the force he once was, his experience, course knowledge, and ability to rise to the occasion in major tournaments still make him a threat at Augusta. His performance in 2022, where he finished 47th despite struggling with physical limitations, showed that he still has the ability to compete at a high level. If Woods can stay healthy and continue to improve his game, there’s always a chance he could add to his Masters legacy in 2025.
Conclusion
The 2025 Masters Tournament promises to be an exciting and competitive event, with several top players all vying for the prestigious green jacket. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and other favorites will bring their A-game to Augusta National, hoping to leave their mark on the storied course.
As with every Masters, surprises are inevitable, and new stars may rise to challenge the established names. Whether it’s a young gun like Collin Morikawa or a veteran like Tiger Woods, the 2025 Masters is sure to deliver unforgettable moments.
With the tournament still months away, fans around the world will eagerly await the start of Masters week, when Augusta National will once again play host to the best golfers in the world. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious and join the ranks of Masters champions.