AUGUSTA, Ga. — Despite Tiger Woods` absence due to injury, the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club remains highly anticipated as top golfers gather to compete.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler aims to join the ranks of legends like Jack Nicklaus by potentially securing his third green jacket in four years and becoming only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters titles.
Rory McIlroy, currently ranked No. 2, enters the tournament with strong momentum and seeks to complete a career Grand Slam by winning his first Masters. This marks his 11th attempt to achieve this milestone and end a decade-long major championship drought.
Beyond these prominent storylines, the 2025 Masters is notable for reuniting golfers from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf League in the same competition for the first time in several months.
Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson emphasized the tournament`s significance, stating, “It`s a week that we all cherish the most. It`s the start of the major championship series. History is made there every year.”
Here`s an overview of the 95 players in the field, categorized from top contenders to those aiming to simply make the cut.
Jump to a section:
The clear favorites | Guys who can win | If everything goes right
Miracles happen | Happy to make the cut | Past champions | Amateurs
Tier I: The clear favorites
While a Scheffler-McIlroy showdown is anticipated, golfers like Collin Morikawa, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele are also strong contenders for the green jacket. These are the golfers with the highest probability of winning.
Scottie Scheffler
Despite a hand injury earlier in the season, Scheffler, the world No. 1, is regaining peak form. He recently finished second at the Texas Children`s Houston Open, just one stroke behind the winner, demonstrating exceptional putting and approach play. Seeking his first win of the season, Scheffler is a top pick, having won two of the last three Masters.
Rory McIlroy
This Masters might be McIlroy`s best chance to secure the elusive green jacket and complete his career Grand Slam. With two pre-April victories and excellent current form, he might be the player to beat at Augusta. Despite minor issues in his recent Houston appearance, McIlroy`s overall game is strong.
Collin Morikawa
Statistics highlight Morikawa`s strong tee-to-green game, a key indicator for Masters success. Leading the tour in strokes gained from tee to green, Morikawa is poised to end his win drought. Despite a strong showing in the 2024 Masters, where he tied for third, he seeks his first victory since October 2023.
Jon Rahm
The 2023 Masters champion aims to reaffirm his major championship caliber after concerns arose from his LIV Golf League participation. A strong performance at The Open quelled these doubts. Rahm`s consistent top finishes in LIV Golf and past Augusta success make him a formidable contender.
Ludvig Åberg
Åberg impressed in his Masters debut last year, finishing second. He was close to becoming the first first-time winner since 1979 but ultimately finished behind Scheffler. Despite recent inconsistencies, Åberg`s victory at the Genesis Invitational earlier in the year demonstrates his potential.
Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau seeks to build on his strong showing at the 2024 Masters, where he led after the first round and ultimately finished sixth. After past controversies regarding his Augusta National comments, DeChambeau`s improved Masters performance suggests a turning point.
Xander Schauffele
Schauffele, a consistent performer at Augusta with multiple top-10 finishes, is aiming for his first Masters victory. Recovering from an injury, he is rounding back into form, as indicated by his recent performance at the Valspar Championship.
Brooks Koepka
Koepka, a five-time major champion, is always a threat in major tournaments. With a history of strong Masters performances, including runner-up finishes, he aims to overcome past disappointments and secure a green jacket.
Tier II: The guys who can win
Beyond the top favorites, these golfers possess the skill and mental fortitude to win the Masters. They are legitimate contenders capable of handling the pressure of Augusta National.
Justin Thomas
Thomas is showing signs of resurgence, nearing a PGA Tour victory at the Valspar Championship. Despite past Masters struggles, his overall talent positions him as a contender if he can bring his best game to Augusta.
Cameron Smith
Smith, despite a lower profile recently, has a strong Masters track record, including a sixth-place finish in 2024. His consistent Augusta performances make him a threat.
Tommy Fleetwood
Fleetwood`s improved Masters results, highlighted by a third-place finish in 2024, indicate his growing comfort at Augusta National. His consistent tour performances this season further solidify his contender status.
Tyrrell Hatton
Hatton`s recent success on the DP World Tour and improved Masters showing in 2024, where he finished ninth, suggest he could contend. Overcoming mental hurdles at Augusta, particularly on certain holes, will be key.
Jordan Spieth
Approaching the anniversary of his 2015 Masters win, Spieth is showing signs of returning to form after wrist surgery. Despite recent missed cuts at Augusta, his overall Masters history and potential for brilliance make him a contender.
Joaquín Niemann
Niemann, a proven winner globally, seeks to break through in major championships. His recent Masters performances, while not top-10, show improvement and potential for a breakthrough.
Hideki Matsuyama
The 2021 Masters champion started the year strong with a win but has faced challenges with driving accuracy. If Matsuyama can improve his tee game, his Augusta experience and overall talent make him a contender.
Russell Henley
Henley, with a recent PGA Tour victory and a past Masters fourth-place finish, has the potential to contend. His Georgia roots and Augusta National experience could be beneficial.
Sepp Straka
Straka`s consistent improvement at Augusta, coupled with a recent tour win, positions him as a dark horse contender. His underrated swing and growing confidence could lead to a strong Masters showing.
Viktor Hovland
Hovland`s unexpected win at the Valspar Championship raises questions about his consistency. If this victory signifies a return to form, Hovland`s talent could make him a Masters contender.
Min Woo Lee
Lee`s recent PGA Tour victory at the Houston Open, defeating top players, demonstrates his potential. With previous top-25 Masters finishes, Lee could contend for a green jacket.
Patrick Reed
Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, consistently performs well at Augusta, with multiple top-12 finishes. Despite moving to LIV Golf, his Masters history and competitive nature make him a contender.
Justin Rose
Rose, a two-time Masters runner-up, has had an inconsistent season but possesses the ability to perform well at Augusta. His extensive Masters experience and past success make him a potential contender.
Daniel Berger
Berger is showing strong form after injury recovery. While his Masters record since 2016 isn`t stellar, his current play suggests he could contend if he translates his recent performances to Augusta.
Keegan Bradley
Bradley, known for his Ryder Cup leadership, has improved his Masters results recently. If he can maintain his recent form, Bradley could contend at Augusta.
Robert MacIntyre
MacIntyre returns to the Masters with improved world ranking and tour wins. His past Masters experience and current form make him a potential contender.
Will Zalatoris
Zalatoris, despite putting struggles, has a strong Masters record with consecutive top-10 finishes. If he can improve his putting, Zalatoris has the ball-striking ability to contend.
Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay`s consistent major championship performances, including recent Masters top-25s, make him a steady contender. While not a favorite, Cantlay has the game to compete.
Shane Lowry
Lowry`s strong season, with runner-up and seventh-place finishes, positions him as a contender. His past Masters top-3 finish demonstrates his Augusta potential.
Maverick McNealy
McNealy`s breakthrough season and top-10 world ranking make him an intriguing Masters debutant. His current form suggests he could contend even in his first Augusta appearance.
Harris English
English, a Georgia native with a recent tour win, has the putting prowess to succeed at Augusta. If his iron play improves, English could contend at the Masters.
Nicolai Højgaard
Højgaard impressed in his Masters debut last year, briefly contending. Learning from his past experience, Højgaard could build on his initial success and contend in 2025.
Tier III: If everything goes right
These are the sleeper picks, long shots who could contend if they have an exceptional week. They include past champions and players with inconsistent recent form who could rediscover their best golf at Augusta.
Wyndham Clark
Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, has had fluctuating form. A recent top-5 finish suggests a potential return to form, making him a dark horse if he can maintain consistency at Augusta.
Sungjae Im
Im`s Augusta results are varied, with high finishes and missed cuts. If he finds his rhythm at Augusta, his past successes indicate he could contend.
Dustin Johnson
Johnson, the 2020 Masters champion, seeks to recapture his Augusta magic. Recent LIV Golf results are mixed, but his past Masters success means he can`t be discounted if he finds his best form.
Lucas Glover
Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open winner, enters with strong recent form. His accuracy and iron play are well-suited for Augusta, making him a potential surprise contender.
Brian Harman
Harman, the 2023 Open Champion, recently found form with a win. After past Masters struggles, Harman hopes to translate his renewed confidence to Augusta.
J.J. Spaun
Spaun is playing the best golf of his career, reaching a high world ranking. Recent strong finishes indicate he could surprise at Augusta, though it`s his first Masters appearance.
Akshay Bhatia
Bhatia, a young talent with two tour wins, has shown high potential. His all-around game could translate well to Augusta if he handles the Masters pressure.
Jason Day
Day`s Masters record has declined recently, but his past Augusta success and overall talent mean he could contend if he rediscovers his best form.
Adam Scott
Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, seeks a return to Augusta contention. While his recent Masters record isn`t top-tier, his experience and past victory mean he can`t be entirely overlooked.
Tony Finau
Finau has been inconsistent recently, particularly with iron play. If he resolves these issues and finds his best game, his talent could make him a Masters threat.
Sahith Theegala
Theegala impressed in his Masters debut in 2023. Despite recent struggles, his past Augusta performance indicates potential for another strong showing if he regains consistency.
Thomas Detry
Detry has performed well in recent majors. Making his Masters debut, his major championship experience could help him contend if he adapts quickly to Augusta.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open winner, has consistent Masters finishes. Despite recent challenges, his Augusta track record and major championship pedigree suggest he could contend.
Tom Kim
Kim has made the cut in his first two Masters appearances. While inconsistent this season, his past Augusta performances indicate potential for a breakthrough if he finds his top form.
Corey Conners
Conners has a strong Masters record with consecutive top-10 finishes. While his iron play has been slightly off, his Augusta success means he could contend if he regains his iron accuracy.
Chris Kirk
Kirk has consistent recent Masters finishes. Improving his putting will be key for contention, but his Augusta experience makes him a potential dark horse.
Sam Burns
Burns has struggled at Augusta in the past. Overcoming these struggles will be necessary for contention, but his overall talent means a turnaround isn`t impossible.
Michael Kim
Kim returns to the Masters after a long gap. Making the field is a success, and a strong performance would be a significant achievement given his recent ranking climb.
Tier IV: Hey, miracles happen
These are the extreme long shots, players who would need an extraordinary week to contend. This tier includes past champions and players struggling with form who face an uphill battle at Augusta.
Davis Thompson
Thompson, a Georgia native, is showing improved form. Making his Masters debut, a strong performance would be a major surprise but not entirely impossible given his recent play.
Cam Davis
Davis showed promise at the 2024 Masters but has struggled recently. Turning around his form at Augusta would be a significant achievement.
Aaron Rai
Rai, making his Masters debut, has strong iron play. A miraculous Masters win would require exceptional putting and course management in his first Augusta appearance.
Tom Hoge
Hoge, another strong iron player, has a recent top-5 finish. A Masters miracle would require translating his iron play to Augusta and having a career-best putting week.
Billy Horschel
Horschel has consistent Masters cuts. A miraculous win would require a significant jump in performance and a career-best major championship showing.
Denny McCarthy
McCarthy`s putting is his strength. A Masters miracle would depend on his putter being exceptionally hot for four rounds at Augusta.
Taylor Pendrith
Pendrith, making his Masters debut, has had strong tour finishes this season. A miraculous win would be a major upset in his first Augusta appearance.
J.T. Poston
Poston has made recent Masters cuts. A miraculous win would require a significant step up in performance and a career-defining tournament.
Phil Mickelson
Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, had a strong showing in 2023. Another miracle win would be historic, given his age and recent form, but his Augusta history can`t be ignored.
Nick Taylor
Taylor has a recent tour win but struggles in majors. A Masters miracle would require reversing his major championship form and finding Augusta success.
Cameron Young
Young has past Masters top-10s but recent struggles. A miraculous win would require a dramatic form reversal and rediscovering his Augusta success.
Sergio Garcia
Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion, has struggled at Augusta recently. A miracle win would be unexpected, given his recent Masters record, but his past victory offers a glimmer of hope.
Danny Willett
Willett, an unlikely 2016 Masters champion, seeks another miracle. Repeating his past Augusta success would be a long shot but not impossible given the unpredictable nature of golf.
Laurie Canter
Canter makes his Masters debut. A miraculous win would be a major surprise in his first Augusta appearance.
Byeong Hun An
An has a past Masters top-20 finish. A miraculous win would require a significant step up in performance and a career-best major showing.
Nick Dunlap
Dunlap, a young talent, has struggled recently. A Masters miracle would require a quick turnaround and finding his best form at Augusta.
Rasmus Højgaard
Højgaard, making his Masters debut, seeks a miracle win. A victory in his first Augusta appearance would be a major upset.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout
Bezuidenhout is a good putter but has had iron play issues. A Masters miracle would depend on improving his iron play and having an exceptional putting week.
Stephan Jager
Jager returns to the Masters after missing the cut previously. A miraculous win would require a significant improvement from his past Augusta experience.
Matthieu Pavon
Pavon had a decent Masters debut but has struggled recently. A miraculous win would require reversing his current form and rediscovering his Augusta performance.
Adam Schenk
Schenk had a surprising Masters result in 2023 but recent struggles. A miraculous win would require regaining his past Augusta form and overcoming recent inconsistencies.
Tier V: Happy to make the cut
These players are not expected to contend for the win. For them, making the cut and playing the weekend at Augusta National would be a successful outcome.
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 world ranking, has faced recent struggles. Making the cut would be a positive step. Several players in this tier are Masters debutants, making just making the cut a victory. Davis Riley, also a Masters first-timer, aims to build on recent improvements after a challenging start to the season.
Tier VI: Past champions
These past Masters champions are participating due to their lifetime invitation. While their competitive prime for major championships may be past, their presence enriches the tournament. (Note: Vijay Singh withdrew due to injury.)
Ángel Cabrera
Fred Couples
Zach Johnson
Bernhard Langer
José María Olazábal
Charl Schwartzel
Bubba Watson
Mike Weir
Bernhard Langer, a two-time champion, is expected to make his final Masters appearance, marking his 41st tournament. Fred Couples holds the record as the oldest player to make the cut. Ángel Cabrera returns to Augusta after a period away.
Tier VII: Amateurs
These amateur players are the future of golf. Making the cut would be a significant achievement, following in the footsteps of past amateur successes at the Masters.
Josele Ballester
Evan Beck
Justin Hastings
Noah Kent
Hiroshi Tai
Josele Ballester, ranked among top amateurs, leads this group. 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 the first Singaporean to compete in the Masters.
