Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are looking to build on their recent success at the Masters, but who is most likely to challenge them for a major win at Augusta National?
The world’s top two have won three of the past four Masters, with Scheffler winning the green jacket in 2022 and again in 2024, and McIlroy completing a career Grand Slam in last year’s contest.
Despite finishing outside the top 10 in his last three PGA Tour appearances, his worst performance in four years, Scheffler has emerged as the pre-tournament favorite to win his fifth major title in as many years, and the world No. 1 Scheffler has already won this season’s American Express.
The 29-year-old has finished inside the top 20 in every previous appearance at Augusta National and is expected to try again, while McIlroy aims to become the first player since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back Masters titles.
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McIlroy became the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam following his dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose last year, ending an 11-year wait for a fifth major title, but who else besides the world’s top two will be able to challenge for it this week?
Ahead of this year’s opening major, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 2pm on Thursday, we asked Sky Sports’ golf experts to predict who they think will win this week and pick a player who could be an under-the-radar choice.
Who is the British winner of the Masters?
Only two Britons have ever won the Masters, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of Danny Willett’s surprise victory in 2016, and the 30th anniversary of Sir Nick Faldo’s third and final win at Augusta National.
Willett is back in this week’s eight-strong British squad that includes this season’s PGA Tour winners Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick, as well as reigning FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood.
Sky Sports’ Nick Doherty said: “Based on his form this season and the fact that he’s already won, my prediction is Justin Rose. “It wasn’t all great, but by winning on a big golf course at Torrey Pines (Farmers Insurance Open), he proved once again that he can play against the best players in a huge event.
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“At 45 he has never been any taller and has grown in height over the last few years, even though he should have been shorter. He has worked extremely hard on his recovery and fitness and his longevity is one of his shining assets.”
“He’s been here a lot and experience is important at Augusta. He’s been runner-up three times, including last year against Rory, and he’s ready for the next step. I think he’s a great bet this week.”
Reverend Andrew Coltart added: “Matt Fitzpatrick won his last race, but his numbers are pretty good and he’s in great shape. He loves it here and has the temperament and patience he needs. He’s gotten better and better since his comeback last year.”
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Who else could challenge the Masters?
Cameron Young, who had a one-shot win over Fitzpatrick in the PGA Tour’s flagship event last month, is looking to follow up his win at The Players with a win at the Masters and join Scheffler and McIlroy.
Sky Sports’ Ewen Murray said: “His (Young’s) superb win at The Players has elevated him to the top bracket of the game.” “I think he learned a lot from his runner-up finish before his first win last fall.
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“TPC Sawgrass was just what his confidence and belief needed to take him to the next step. The next step could be the majors.”
Ludwig Oberg and Bryson DeChambeau both competed on the final day last year but came up short, and Bob McIntyre is also aiming for his first major victory.
Could Bob McIntyre be the next first-time major winner?
“Oberg is absolutely incredible,” said Sky Sports’ Rich Beam. “He’s missed several (opportunities to win) on the PGA Tour this year, but he’s been playing too well and it’s time to put it all together.”
Dame Laura Davies said of McIntyre: “This could be the week for the left-hander and McIntyre has been a consistent player all year.”
“He didn’t do his job last week, but he’s been good all week. He also has experience handling pressure at the U.S. Open last summer. I think he’s ready to win a big tournament.”
Who will win the Masters? Sky Sports experts’ predictions
Rich Beam: Ludwig Oberg Andrew Coltart: Matt Fitzpatrick Dame Laura Davies: Bob McIntyre Nick Doherty: Justin Rose Butch Harmon: Tommy Fleetwood Paul McGinley: Jon Rahm Inch Mehmet: Justin Rose Ewen Murray: Cameron Young Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Bryson DeChambeau
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Rich Beam: Adam Scott Andrew Coltart: Jake Knapp Dame Laura Davis: Jon Rahmnick Doherty: Jacob Bridgeman Butch Harmon: Harry Hall Paul McGinley: Akshay Bhatiainch Mehmet: Tom McKibbin Ewen Murray: Jacob Bridgeman Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Patrick Reed
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When will the Masters be broadcast live on Sky Sports?
Wall-to-wall coverage of the tournament will begin at 2pm on Thursday, with regular updates from around the course and featured group action on Sky Sports Golf until the global broadcast slot begins at 6pm.
The same timing will apply on Friday, with an early start heading into the weekend. Coverage begins at 4:30 p.m., with serious coverage beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing long after the final putt is holed.
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The infamous Amen Corner stream will also be available to watch, focusing on the famous three-hole stretch from No. 11, and that featured group of programming will also be available on the Sky Sports+ channel.
Feeds for holes 4, 5 and 6 will be live every day as soon as the opening group arrives on that part of the course, with separate streams covering holes 15 and 16, and featured groups will also be available on Sky Sports+.
Who will win the Masters? Watch the opening match of this year’s Major live exclusively on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the first round will begin on Sky Sports Golf from 2pm on Thursday. Get and stream Sky Sports without a contract.
