+ Scottie Scheffler
He has been world number one for almost three years, and a dominant one at that. But what about his form? 12th, 24th and 22nd places in the last three competitions are almost sensationally poor for Scheffler. He has also not competed for three weeks after the recent birth of his second son, Remy.
Masters achievements: Won in 2022 and 2024.
Said before Masters: "Remy is so young that he sleeps most of the day. I've been able to get a decent amount of sleep."
Ends: 7:44 p.m. on Thursday, local time in Sweden.
+ Bryson DeChambeau
He was in the lead group last year and when Rory McIlroy faltered in the lead, opportunities opened up for DeChambeau. But the high-profile, long-hitting 32-year-old didn't take the chance and finished fifth after a closing 75. He arrives with two straight victories on the LIV tour.
Masters results: Sixth in 2024 and fifth last year.
Said before the Masters: "I feel like my game is in a better place than ever in my career."
Ends: 16:07.
+ Rory McIlroy
Will McIlroy ever win the Masters and if so when? That was one of the big questions at Augusta until last year, when the Northern Irishman finally completed his "career grand slam". Now the world number two has been hampered by back problems and, like Scheffler, has not competed for several weeks. At the same time, a weight has been lifted from his shoulders after last year’s dramatic triumph.
Masters merits: Won last year.
Said before the Masters: "For the past 17 years I could barely get myself together before the competition started. This year I wouldn't care if the competition never started."
Ends: 16:31.
+ Jon Rahm
He was world number one when he won the Masters in 2023. Later that year, the notable move to LIV took place - and since then the Spaniard has not achieved top finishes in majors. It's still impossible to ignore Rahm, who has maintained a consistently high level and posted results of 2–2–1–5–2 on the LIV tour. He has not competed for two weeks and is now in the same group as Ludvig Åberg.
Masters merits: Won in 2023.
Said before the Masters: "I'm more of a player who likes to have a little 'time off' before a major. I don't normally like to play the week before."
Ends: 19:08.
+ Ludvig Åberg
In just two years, Åberg has written himself into the history books as the most successful Swede in the Masters of all time. On both Sundays he has held a share of the lead, only to finish second and seventh respectively. Åberg, seemingly in the form of his life with three straight top finishes on the PGA Tour, loves Augusta National and has a game that suits the legendary course.
Masters achievements: Second in 2024 and seventh last year.
Said before the Masters: "The game is much better than it has been for quite a while. I definitely like the way it feels when I'm standing over the ball."
Ends: 19:08.
+ Outsiders
If none of the five main favorites win, there are a couple of outsiders who would love to join in and fight for victory.
Five hot names: Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Patrick Reed.
