The gates of Augusta National swing open once again as the 2025 Masters Tournament prepares to crown golf’s next major champion. With 95 elite players set to compete—the largest field in a decade—the spotlight is firmly on a familiar narrative: Rory McIlroy’s elusive chase for a green jacket.
Rory’s Eternal Quest
Is this finally the year for Rory McIlroy? It’s the question that shadows every Masters, and by now, even he must be tired of the prophecy. After 18 years as a professional, a collection of majors, and endless near-misses at Augusta, Rory still lacks the one prize that would complete his Grand Slam.
He enters this week with two PGA Tour wins already under his belt in 2025—his best build-up to Augusta yet. But as always, it’s not about the form. It’s about the finish.
The LIV Golf Factor: Rebels or Real Threats?
This year’s Masters includes just 12 players from LIV Golf, the controversial Saudi-funded league that continues to disrupt the traditional tour structure. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau headline the rebel lineup—both capable, both unpredictable.
LIV stars may carry the swagger and flair, but questions linger: are they tournament tough for Augusta’s demands? 72 holes of pressure on undulating fairways is a different world from LIV’s laid-back, short-form spectacles.
Interestingly, rumblings from within suggest some stars—Koepka and DeChambeau among them—are eyeing a return to the PGA Tour once their contracts expire. If that happens, this could be their last Masters as “outsiders.”
Koepka’s Crossroads
Brooks Koepka has never worn a green jacket either, though he’s come close—runner-up in 2023, and a consistent major performer. But his game lacks the ferocity of his 2017–2019 dominance. His poker face has never been great either—especially when dodging rumors about his PGA Tour comeback plans.
Yet, if there’s one thing clear about Koepka, it’s that he thrives in the majors. And even as questions swirl, Augusta is a course he knows well.
Tyrrell Hatton: The Quiet Contender
While the headlines focus on Rory and LIV, Tyrrell Hatton could very well steal the show. He’s won the Dubai Desert Classic this year, has remained top-two in the Race to Dubai standings, and hasn’t missed a top-10 finish in six straight DP World Tour events.
Though playing primarily on LIV since, Hatton’s traditional tour stats are impressive—and history hints at a connection between Dubai success and Augusta glory. Ask Danny Willett (2016) and Sergio Garcia (2017).
Wildcards & Long Shots
With Tiger Woods out following Achilles surgery, and the PGA Tour’s latest leaderboard filled with lesser-known names like Andrew Novak and Ryan Gerard, the Masters field feels more open than ever. Even Europe’s No.1, Laurie Canter, battles back from illness, while Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia lurk from LIV with strong recent form.
So who takes it? It’s anyone’s guess.
McIlroy’s storybook ending?
Koepka’s redemption?
Hatton’s underdog triumph?
Or will LIV chaos produce another headline?
One thing is certain—Augusta never disappoints.
