The anticipation is palpable as the 2025 Masters Tournament is set to tee off this Thursday, April 10, at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as the favorite, looking to reclaim his title after a strong performance last year. The stakes are high, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars aiming for the coveted green jacket.
Scottie Scheffler, who won the Masters in 2024 with a commanding four-shot victory, remains a top contender despite a winless start to the 2025 season. He has shown flashes of brilliance, including a strong showing at the Houston Open just two weeks ago. As the current world No. 1, Scheffler's odds are listed at +450, making him the frontrunner heading into the tournament.
However, he faces stiff competition from a host of talented golfers, most notably Rory McIlroy, who is on a mission to complete his career Grand Slam. McIlroy's odds are currently set at +650, reflecting his impressive form this season, which includes victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Players Championship. Many experts believe this could finally be McIlroy's year to don the green jacket.
Among the other favorites are Collin Morikawa and Jon Rahm, both of whom are listed at +1400. Morikawa's consistency at Augusta is noteworthy; he has finished in the top 10 in each of his last three appearances at the Masters, including a T3 finish last year. Meanwhile, Rahm, known for his powerful game, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing showing in previous years.
Betting experts have weighed in on potential longshots and sleeper picks who could surprise at Augusta. Will Zalatoris and Corey Conners are both available at +5000, with Zalatoris having a strong track record at this event, including a second-place finish in his debut. Conners, a rising star, has also shown promise with multiple top finishes this season.
Sepp Straka, another name to watch, is listed at +5500. He has been playing some of the best golf of his career, and experts believe he could make a significant impact this week. Akshay Bhatia, at +6600, is also gaining traction among bettors after a solid start to the year, including a T3 finish at the Players Championship.
As the tournament approaches, predictions are pouring in from golf analysts and experts. Matt Barrie from ESPN is backing McIlroy, stating, "It's his time." Michael Eaves echoes this sentiment, emphasizing McIlroy's current form and mental strength, which he believes are at an all-time high. Laura Rutledge also supports McIlroy, noting that he is the only player with multiple wins this year, which historically correlates with success at the Masters.
On the flip side, some experts are predicting potential disappointments, with Justin Thomas frequently mentioned as a big name likely to miss the cut. Thomas has struggled at Augusta in recent years, failing to make it past the weekend for two consecutive tournaments. Similarly, Viktor Hovland and Bryson DeChambeau have also been flagged by analysts as potential early exits.
As the countdown to the Masters continues, fans and bettors alike are eagerly awaiting the first tee time set for 8 a.m. ET on Thursday. With the first two rounds being broadcast on ESPN from 3-7:30 p.m. ET, and CBS covering the final two rounds from 2-7 p.m. ET, golf enthusiasts will have ample opportunity to witness the drama unfold.
The 2025 Masters promises to be an exciting event, with a blend of familiar faces and emerging talents vying for the ultimate prize in golf. Will Scottie Scheffler successfully defend his title, or will Rory McIlroy finally achieve his long-awaited career Grand Slam? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the competition will be fierce.
