As the 2025 Masters prepares to tee off this Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club, two of the sport’s biggest names are in the spotlight. Scottie Scheffler, the reigning champion and current World No. 1, returns aiming to defend his green jacket against a competitive field. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy continues his quest for the elusive career Grand Slam, the only major missing from his storied résumé.
Last year, Scheffler clinched his second Masters title in dominant fashion, finishing four strokes ahead of Ludvig Åberg. A win this week would make him the first back-to-back champion at Augusta since Tiger Woods did it in 2001 and 2002 — a rare feat in modern golf.
Field Strength and Betting Insights
Despite his dominant season, Scheffler is far from an assured repeat. He enters as the +400 favorite, but predictive models are cautious. One such model, credited with correctly picking the last three Masters winners, warns of the challenges of repeating at Augusta.
McIlroy, priced at +650, is another marquee contender. Wins at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship highlight a strong season. In 2022, he finished runner-up, nearly completing the Grand Slam. However, his last major title came way back in 2014, adding pressure to deliver at Augusta this year.
Top Contenders to Watch
Other leading names in the field include:
- Jon Rahm (+1400) – 2023 Masters champion and known for his consistency
- Collin Morikawa (+1600) – a major-winning ball-striker eyeing Augusta success
- Xander Schauffele (+1800) – often in contention, still seeking breakthrough
- Ludvig Åberg (+1800) – 2024 runner-up and rising star at just 24 years old
Dark Horses and Longshots
One interesting narrative centers around Bryson DeChambeau. Once criticized for calling Augusta a “par 67,” he finished T6 last year and enters at +2000. Despite previous struggles, he’s considered a dark horse by predictive models and BetMGM’s biggest liability.
Veteran Adam Scott, winner in 2013, returns as a longshot at 150-1. Though no longer a frequent contender, his course knowledge makes him a sleeper pick for a late-career resurgence.
The model also highlights four longshots priced at 20-1 or higher as legitimate threats to win though these players remain unnamed, suggesting the possibility of a surprise champion from deeper in the field.
What’s at Stake?
As always, Augusta delivers a blend of tradition, pressure, and surprises. Will Scheffler rise to the occasion and join an elite class of back-to-back winners? Can McIlroy finally secure the last piece of golf’s greatest achievement? Or will a new face emerge, claiming a place in history as the magnolias bloom?
For full odds, picks, and analysis, visit the original article on CBS Sports.
