The Masters, men’s golf’s first major of the year, begins on Thursday at the iconic Augusta National course in the U.S. state of Georgia.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy are the hot favourites among a competitive field which includes five Australians.
Scheffler and McIlroy
Scheffler and McIlroy are the two clear favourites for a reason. The U.S’ Scheffler is the world’s number one golfer and has an excellent record at Augusta, winning two of the last three Masters. The 28-year-old is vying to become the ninth player to win the prestigious green jacket for a third time.
Meanwhile, world number two McIlroy’s current form and overall pedigree are undeniable, even though he has not won a major since 2014. The Northern Irishman has led the pack so far in the 2025 season with two tournament wins and a top-five finish at the Houston Open two weeks ago. The Masters is the only major tournament McIlroy has never won, and a win this weekend will complete a long-awaited career grand slam.
Aussies in action
Fresh off his first win on the PGA Tour at the Houston Open, Min Woo Lee is the Aussie in the best form coming into this tournament. It would be a truly remarkable achievement for the 26-year-old if he were to win his first major this weekend. At last year’s edition, he finished tied 22nd.
Australia’s only ever Masters champion Adam Scott, who won the tournament in 2013, hasn’t had the best start to the 2025 season, but you can never rule out the guy with the nicest swing in golf. This year is Scott’s 24th appearance at the tournament and 94th consecutive appearance at a major.
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Another perennial contender, Jason Day, has finished in the top 10 in his last five starts at the Masters and will look to add another major trophy to his cabinet this weekend. His best finish at the Masters came in 2011 when he finished runner-up.
Cameron Smith is also a major winner, winning The Open in 2022. He plays on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, and the Masters will mark the first time Smith has competed against PGA Tour players in 2025. Smith’s best result at the Masters was in 2020 when he ended the tournament tied for second.
The final Aussie teeing off tomorrow is world number 58 Cameron Davis. The 30-year-old has won two PGA Tour events in his career, and his best result at the Masters came last year when he finished tied for 12th.
Fun facts
One novelty of the Masters is that the food prices for spectators at the tournament remain relatively unchanged. For example, this year the pimento cheese sandwich will be $US1.50 ($AU2.50) for the 23rd consecutive year.
Another fun fact about this year’s tournament is that it will see two time champion Bernhard Langer from Germany make his 41st and final start at the tournament. He played his first in 1976. South African Gary Player holds the record for the most starts at Augusta with 52.
How to watch
You can watch the Masters on Foxtel or Kayo.
