Today : Apr 08, 2025
Sports
06 April 2025

Masters Tournament Set To Begin With Exciting Field

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler aims for third title amid fierce competition

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The anticipation is palpable as the 89th Masters Tournament approaches, set to unfold from April 10 to April 13, 2025, at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club. The world’s best golfers are gearing up to leave their mark on one of the sport’s most revered stages, and all eyes will be on defending champion Scottie Scheffler as he aims for a historic third green jacket.

Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, is returning to Augusta, where he claimed his second Masters title last year, defeating Ludvig Aberg by four shots. Since that victory, Scheffler has had a whirlwind year, including becoming a father and winning Olympic gold in Paris. However, he faced challenges as well, having cut his hand while making ravioli over the holidays, which delayed the start of his 2025 season.

Despite these hurdles, Scheffler has maintained impressive form, finishing T-2 at the Texas Children’s Houston Open and tying his own course record with a second-round 62. Now, as he heads back to Augusta, he’s ready to showcase his skills once again. “You’re just kind of turning into this whole other world,” Scheffler said, describing the drive down Magnolia Lane. “Everything else just kind of melts away.”

Rory McIlroy, the 35-year-old from Northern Ireland, is also in the spotlight as he seeks the elusive Masters title to complete his career grand slam. McIlroy has had a strong start to the 2025 season, winning both the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Players Championship. However, he has struggled at Augusta, with 10 attempts yielding no victories since his last major win in 2014.

“I think the biggest thing for him this year going into Houston was getting his reps up,” said Randy Smith, Scheffler’s instructor. “Injury-wise he’s doing really well. The more reps he has, the more he understands.” With both players in form, the competition is shaping up to be fierce.

The Masters will also see the return of former champion Angel Cabrera, who is back in the field for the first time since 2019 after serving a prison sentence. Cabrera, who won the Masters in 2009, is looking to make an impact despite his long absence from the tournament. He has six top-10 finishes in his Masters career, and his return adds an intriguing narrative to this year’s event.

Meanwhile, the field will include 12 players from the LIV Golf series, including notable names like Jon Rahm, who won the Masters in 2023, and Sergio Garcia, the 2017 champion. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents, this year’s Masters promises to be a thrilling spectacle.

As the tournament approaches, fans are buzzing with excitement. The Masters is not just about the golf; it’s a celebration of tradition, with the iconic Green Jacket Ceremony set for April 13 at 7 p.m. The event will feature honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson, marking the tournament’s opening with their ceremonial tee shots.

For those planning to watch, live coverage will be available on ESPN and CBS, with the first round kicking off on April 10 at 3 p.m. ET. Fans can also stream the event on the Masters app and website, ensuring they won’t miss a moment of the action. The Par 3 Contest, a fan-favorite event, is scheduled for April 9, offering a lighter side of the tournament.

In addition to the golf, this year’s Masters will introduce a new menu item at concession stands: the Savory Tomato Pie, priced at just $3. This addition has stirred excitement among fans, who eagerly await the culinary delights that accompany the tournament’s rich traditions.

As the countdown to the Masters continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable week of golf. With legends returning, fierce competition, and the chance for players to etch their names into history, the 2025 Masters is shaping up to be a remarkable event.

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy lead the charge, but with so much talent in the field, predicting a winner is no easy task. Will Scheffler defend his title and join the ranks of Masters legends? Or will McIlroy finally claim the coveted green jacket? One thing is certain: the world of golf will be watching closely as the drama unfolds at Augusta National.