AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tiger Woods, a 15-time major champion, will not be participating in the 89th Masters as he recovers from a left Achilles tendon rupture. However, the tournament remains highly anticipated as the world`s top golfers gather at Augusta National Golf Club this week.
Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked No. 1 globally, aims to join Jack Nicklaus as the only players to secure three green jackets within four years. He also has the chance to become only the fourth golfer in Masters history to win consecutively, following Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Woods.
Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 2, might be in better form than Scheffler as he enters the season`s first major. McIlroy is seeking to become the sixth golfer in the Masters era to achieve a career Grand Slam by winning a green jacket. This marks his 11th attempt, as he tries to end a major championship drought spanning over a decade.
These are not the only compelling narratives this week at Augusta National. For the first time in eight months, top golfers from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf League will compete in the same tournament.
Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters winner, described the event as “a week that we all cherish the most,” noting it as the beginning of the major championship series where history is made annually.
Here’s a breakdown of the 96 golfers in the field, categorized from potential winners to those aiming to make the cut.
Tier I: The Clear Favorites
While a Scheffler-McIlroy showdown is highly anticipated, golfers like Collin Morikawa, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele are strong contenders. These are the golfers with the highest probability of winning a green jacket this Sunday.
Scottie Scheffler
After a hand injury at the season`s start, the world No. 1 is regaining momentum. He recently tied for second at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, just one stroke behind Min Woo Lee. Scheffler excels in putting and approach shots. Despite seeking his first win of the season, he remains a top pick, having won two of the last three Masters.
Rory McIlroy
It feels crucial for McIlroy to win a green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam now. With two pre-April victories against strong fields, he`s playing exceptionally well. McIlroy might be the one to watch at Augusta National, even with Scheffler and Schauffele recovering from injuries. He aims to refine his driver and manage a sore elbow from his Houston appearance.
Collin Morikawa
As noted by Kyle Porter, a significant number of past Masters champions showed strong tee-to-green performance in the months leading up to the tournament. Morikawa leads in this statistic, along with approach play. Although his last win was in October 2023, a victory seems imminent. In 2024, he was briefly tied for the lead but faltered, eventually tying for third.
Jon Rahm
The 2023 Masters champion had a less impressive title defense last year, raising questions about LIV Golf League competition`s readiness for majors. However, a strong showing at The Open addressed these concerns. Rahm has performed well in LIV Golf and has a history of top finishes at Augusta National.
Ludvig Åberg
Åberg quickly adapted to professional golf. He finished second in his Masters debut last year, behind Scheffler. He was close to becoming the first Masters rookie winner since 1979 but faced setbacks on the 11th hole. Åberg secured a PGA Tour win at the Genesis Invitational in February but has shown inconsistency since.
Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau seems to have overcome past criticisms regarding Augusta National. He led after the first round last year but his performance declined in subsequent rounds. He still achieved his best Masters finish, tying for sixth.
Xander Schauffele
Schauffele claimed his first major victories last year and has a good Masters record with multiple top-10 finishes. Recovering from a rib injury, he might still be regaining peak form. He showed strong approach play in his recent Valspar Championship appearance.
Brooks Koepka
As a five-time major champion, Koepka is expected to be competitive at Augusta National, where he has several top-10 finishes. In 2023, he led after 54 holes but ultimately lost to Rahm. Koepka admitted to wanting the green jacket too much, affecting his performance.
Tier II: The Contenders
Beyond the top favorites, these golfers are also strong contenders. They possess the skill, resilience, and composure needed for success at Augusta National.
Justin Thomas
Thomas recently came close to his first PGA Tour win in years at the Valspar Championship. With multiple top-10 finishes this season, he`s showing a return to form. Despite past Masters setbacks, Thomas has the capability to contend.
Cameron Smith
Smith has maintained a low profile recently but tied for sixth at the 2024 Masters. He consistently performs well at Augusta National.
Tommy Fleetwood
Fleetwood achieved his first Masters top-10 in 2024, tying for third. He has been consistent in tour events this season.
Tyrrell Hatton
Hatton has been successful on the DP World Tour recently, including a win at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He improved his Masters performance in 2024, tying for ninth.
Jordan Spieth
Approaching the 10th anniversary of his 2015 Masters win, Spieth is showing signs of resurgence after wrist surgery. Despite recent inconsistencies at Augusta, he has a strong overall record there.
Joaquín Niemann
Niemann, a multiple winner worldwide, seeks his first major top-10 finish. He has had decent Masters performances recently. He has won twice in LIV Golf this season.
Hideki Matsuyama
The 2021 Masters champion won early this season at The Sentry. However, his driving accuracy has been a challenge in 2025.
Russell Henley
Henley, a Georgia native, won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March and has performed well at the Masters before.
Sepp Straka
Straka won the American Express in January and is improving his Masters record each year.
Viktor Hovland
Hovland`s win at the Valspar Championship was unexpected; it remains to be seen if this signals a return to top form.
Min Woo Lee
Lee recently won his first PGA Tour event at the Houston Open. He has had respectable Masters finishes in the past.
Patrick Reed
The 2018 Masters champion has been less visible since joining LIV Golf. He is typically competitive at Augusta National.
Justin Rose
A two-time Masters runner-up, Rose has been inconsistent this season but can perform well at Augusta.
Daniel Berger
Berger is playing well after recovering from injury. He has been consistent recently, although his Masters record is less strong.
Keegan Bradley
Bradley has improved his Masters performances recently and is set to lead the US Ryder Cup team.
Robert MacIntyre
MacIntyre returns to the Masters after a few years, having won twice last year and being highly ranked.
Will Zalatoris
Zalatoris is anticipated for a major breakthrough after injury recovery. He has consistently placed well in his Masters appearances.
Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay has been consistent in recent Masters and major tournaments.
Shane Lowry
Lowry has been competitive this season with several high finishes and a past Masters top-3.
Maverick McNealy
McNealy`s strong season has elevated his ranking, making his Masters debut noteworthy.
Harris English
English, another Georgia native, won the Farmers Insurance Open this year and is known for his putting.
Nicolai Højgaard
Højgaard had a promising Masters debut last year but faced challenges in the third round.
Tier III: Dark Horses
These are the underdogs who could win if everything aligns perfectly. This group includes past champions and players with potential for a breakthrough at Augusta.
Wyndham Clark
Clark`s performance has been varied. He had a recent top finish in Houston after withdrawing from the Players. He missed the cut in his Masters debut.
Sungjae Im
Im`s Masters results are inconsistent, with high finishes and missed cuts.
Dustin Johnson
Can the 2020 Masters champion contend again? His LIV Golf results have been mixed, but he showed improvement recently.
Lucas Glover
Glover is entering the Masters with strong recent performances, known for his accuracy and iron play.
Brian Harman
The Open champion Harman recently found form and won the Valero Texas Open. His Masters record is less consistent.
J.J. Spaun
Spaun is performing well, reaching a high world ranking. He recently had a close call at the Players Championship.
Akshay Bhatia
Bhatia has already won twice on tour and performed well at the Players, showing strong overall game and putting.
Jason Day
Day`s recent Masters record is not as strong as his earlier performances.
Adam Scott
It`s been over a decade since Scott`s Masters win; his recent form is not as strong.
Tony Finau
Finau has been struggling recently, particularly with his iron play.
Sahith Theegala
Theegala had a good Masters debut but has been inconsistent this season.
Thomas Detry
Detry has performed well in recent majors, making his Masters debut this year.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick has a solid Masters record but has faced challenges in the past two seasons and recently changed caddies.
Tom Kim
Kim has made the cut in his Masters appearances and had a good finish at Pebble Beach, but overall consistency is lacking this year.
Corey Conners
Conners has a history of strong Masters finishes, although his iron play is currently less sharp.
Chris Kirk
Kirk`s recent form is not peak, but he has had decent Masters results. Putting needs improvement.
Sam Burns
Burns has been inconsistent at Augusta and in recent tournaments.
Michael Kim
Kim is returning to the Masters after a gap, having improved his ranking.
Tier IV: Long Shots
Miracles can happen, but these players face steeper odds. This tier includes past champions and players trying to rediscover their form at Augusta.
Davis Thompson
Thompson is showing improved form again after a slow start to the season, making his Masters debut.
Cam Davis
Davis showed promise at last year`s Masters but has struggled with consistency recently.
Aaron Rai
Rai, making his Masters debut, is known for strong iron play and has performed well in other majors.
Tom Hoge
Hoge is a solid iron player with a recent top finish, seeking to improve his Masters record.
Billy Horschel
Horschel has a consistent Masters cut record and may receive a warm welcome after a recent team win.
Denny McCarthy
McCarthy`s putting could make him a contender if it gets hot. He made his Masters debut last year.
Taylor Pendrith
Pendrith is making his Masters debut with several top-10 finishes this season.
J.T. Poston
Poston has a consistent Masters cut record and steady overall play this season.
Phil Mickelson
Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, had a remarkable performance in 2023 and remains a threat, despite his age.
Nick Taylor
Taylor won early this season but has struggled in majors recently.
Cameron Young
Young has had good Masters results but is currently in poor form.
Sergio Garcia
Garcia, a past Masters champion, is making his 100th major start, but his recent Augusta record is not strong.
Danny Willett
Willett, a past unexpected champion, could surprise again.
Laurie Canter
Canter is making his Masters debut after qualifying through world rankings, showing potential.
Byeong Hun An
An had a decent Masters finish last year and seeks to improve.
Nick Dunlap
Dunlap has potential but needs to regain form after recent struggles in majors and tour events.
Rasmus Højgaard
Højgaard is making his Masters debut, adding to the international field.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout
Bezuidenhout is a good putter but needs to improve his iron play to contend at Augusta.
Stephan Jager
Jager is making his second Masters start after missing the cut in his first.
Matthieu Pavon
Pavon had a decent Masters debut but has struggled this season to find top form.
Adam Schenk
Schenk surprised last year at the Masters but has been inconsistent recently.
Tier V: Happy to Make the Cut
These golfers are less likely to contend for the win; making it to the weekend would be a success.
Max Homa, Joe Highsmith, Brian Campbell, Rafael Campos, Nico Echavarria, Austin Eckroat, Max Greyserman, Patton Kizzire, Thriston Lawrence, Matt McCarty, Davis Riley, Jhonattan Vegas, Kevin Yu
Max Homa, despite past high rankings, has faced recent struggles. Several others in this group are Masters first-timers, which historically is challenging. Some have won events recently but Augusta National is a different test. Davis Riley, another Masters debutant, aims to continue his recent turnaround after a tough start to the season.
Tier VI: Past Champions
These champions are returning due to their past victories but are unlikely to compete for another title.
Ángel Cabrera, Fred Couples, Zach Johnson, Bernhard Langer, José María Olazábal, Charl Schwartzel, Vijay Singh, Bubba Watson, Mike Weir
This Masters is expected to be Bernhard Langer`s final appearance. Fred Couples continues to impress, holding records for older players making the cut. Ángel Cabrera returns after a hiatus.
Tier VII: Amateurs
These are talented amateur players gaining valuable experience at the Masters.
Josele Ballester, Evan Beck, Justin Hastings, Noah Kent, Hiroshi Tai
Josele Ballester is a highly ranked amateur and U.S. Amateur champion. Noah Kent was a U.S. Amateur runner-up. Evan Beck is a U.S. Mid-Amateur champion. Justin Hastings won the Latin American Amateur Championship. Hiroshi Tai is an NCAA champion and the first Singaporean to compete in the Masters.