McIlroy Relaxed, Scheffler Rested as Masters Gets Underway at Augusta
Defending champion Rory McIlroy arrives at Augusta National feeling “so much more relaxed” as the 90th Masters begins amid the blooming azaleas and dogwoods. It’s a stark contrast to the pressure-filled appearances he made for over a decade while chasing the career grand slam.
“It’s been an amazing 12 months, bringing this thing all around the world, the excitement on people’s faces when they see it — and the excitement that I still get putting it on,” McIlroy said of his green jacket, which he earned last April after defeating Justin Rose in a playoff to become the sixth golfer to complete the career grand slam.
Instead of facing another year of questions about when—or if—he’d ever complete golf’s most prestigious collection, the 36-year-old Northern Irishman spent part of this week enjoying a round with his father and reflecting on his achievement.
“I know that I’m going to be coming back here for a lot of years, going to enjoy the perks that the champions get here,” said McIlroy, now sporting slight tinges of gray beneath his cap. “It doesn’t make me any less motivated to go out there and play well and try to win the tournament.”
History suggests a repeat won’t come easily. Only three players have won back-to-back Masters championships, with Tiger Woods being the last to accomplish the feat nearly 25 years ago.
Scheffler Seeking Third Green Jacket
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives as the betting favorite despite not having cracked the top 10 in his last three tournaments. The Texan is aiming for his third Masters victory, with his previous wins coming in even-numbered years (2022 and 2024).
Like McIlroy, Scheffler hasn’t competed since The Players Championship nearly a month ago. He and his wife Meredith recently welcomed their second son, Remy.
“I’m getting plenty of sleep,” Scheffler said with a smile. “My wife’s a trooper.”
Earlier this season, Scheffler won at American Express to join Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players with 20 PGA Tour titles and four majors before turning 30. He feels his game “is in a good spot” as he looks to become just the ninth player to win at least three Masters.
The forecast calls for sunny skies and low humidity all week, conditions that should make Augusta National’s greens particularly challenging.
“This is the best forecast I’ve seen for this tournament in a while,” Scheffler noted. “Definitely excited to get the week going on the greens. I’m excited to see how it will play.”
DeChambeau Confident After Recent Success
Bryson DeChambeau enters Augusta riding momentum from back-to-back victories on the LIV Tour. The two-time U.S. Open champion is still seeking his first green jacket after coming tantalizingly close last year.
DeChambeau pulled into a tie with McIlroy during the final round in 2025 before faltering down the stretch, shooting 75 to finish tied for fifth. That disappointment has lingered.
“It was a great learning lesson,” DeChambeau said.
While the field is packed with long hitters, success this week will likely come down to who can navigate Augusta National’s firm and fast greens most effectively.
For the first time since 1994, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will compete in the Masters. Woods pleaded not guilty to DUI charges following a rollover crash near his Florida home and later announced an indefinite leave to seek treatment. Mickelson is missing the tournament for only the third time as a professional, citing a personal family health matter.
