The iconic Augusta National course may look slightly different this year, having lost around 1500 trees to Hurricane Helene last September. However, this change in scenery has not dampened the enthusiasm surrounding the tournament.
Scheffler, the tournament favorite and world number one, is aiming to become only the fourth player to successfully defend his Masters title. Meanwhile, a victory for McIlroy would see him join the elite group of players who have completed the career Grand Slam.
Unlike last year, Scheffler has yet to secure a win this season, but his recent runner-up finish at the Houston tune-up suggests he is hitting his stride at the right time for Augusta National.
“I’m feeling good, ready to roll,” Scheffler expressed confidently.
McIlroy, on the other hand, has had his fair share of heartbreak at Augusta but has been in stellar form this year, making him a strong contender for the Green Jacket.
If McIlroy finds himself in contention, he will need to focus on his game and block out the noise of potentially joining an exclusive club.
“Just trying to block out that noise as much as possible,” McIlroy emphasized. “I need to treat this tournament like all the other tournaments that I play throughout the year.”
World number three Xander Schauffele, despite flying under the radar, cannot be underestimated as he aims for his third major win in four attempts.
The Masters will also serve as a temporary escape from the ongoing divide in the sport, as players from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will compete against each other for the first time since last July’s British Open.
A notable presence in the field includes a dozen LIV players, including former Masters champions and fan favorite Bryson DeChambeau.
Twice champion Bernhard Langer, at 67 years old, is set to make his final Masters appearance, while 2009 champion Angel Cabrera returns after a 30-month prison sentence for domestic abuse.
