+ Favorites
Beforehand, most of the favorite talk revolves around two stars.
On the one hand, world number one Scottie Scheffler, who has won the green jacket both in 2022 and 2024. If he wins again this year, he will become the fourth player – after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods – to successfully defend a Masters title.
On the other hand, world number two Rory McIlroy, who has never gone all the way at Augusta National. And it's precisely this that makes McIlroy's pursuit of victory so interesting. After his win in The Open in 2014, this will be the Northern Irishman's eleventh attempt to complete a "career grand slam" – to have won all four majors.
+ The Swede
Last year, Ludvig Åberg hadn't even played a major, but now he's one of the big names ahead of this year's Masters. His second-place finish in his debut last year made waves, just like his win in the Genesis Invitational in February. However, two consecutive missed cuts ahead of the major make there a small question mark over the 25-year-old's current form.
+ The Legend
Normally, this spot would be reserved for the five-time winner Tiger Woods, but the question is whether there are any more Masters left in the 49-year-old's battered body. Woods made the "cut" as recently as last year – for the 24th time in a row at Augusta – but is now forced to withdraw due to a torn tendon.
A legend who is, however, present and saying goodbye to the major is the eternally young Bernhard Langer, the 67-year-old who won both in 1985 and 1993. This will be the German's 41st and final appearance at Augusta National.
+ The Reunion
It's not often that the entire world elite gathers since a bunch of stars switched to the LIV tour. This year, twelve LIV players are present in Augusta, including 2023's Spanish winner Jon Rahm and last year's US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau.
Incidentally, since Rahm's triumph, seven consecutive majors have been won by Americans.
+ The Course
Hurricane Helene caused significant destruction when it swept through in September last year – including at Augusta National. A trained eye can see that several tall trees have disappeared since last year, not least in the classic "Amen Corner" where holes 11, 12, and 13 meet. Four greens also needed to be renovated after Helene's passage.
+ The Weather
Monday's play was interrupted before lunch due to bad weather with rain and thunder, but it was only a small blip on the radar. For the rest of the week, mostly sunny weather, temperatures around 20 degrees, and fairly gentle winds are expected. In other words, perfect conditions for playing golf.
+ History
This will be the 89th time the prestigious major is played on the same course in Georgia. Horton Smith won the first edition in 1934, Seve Ballesteros became the first European to win at Augusta in 1980 – where no Swede has yet stood as winner. Apart from Åberg's second place last year, Jonas Blixt also finished tied for second in 2014. Peter Hanson led going into the final round in 2012, but finished tied for third.
Jack Nicklaus has won six times, Tiger Woods five, and Arnold Palmer four.
+ The Field
95 players will tee off in this year's edition, and it's about being placed among the top 50 to make the cut and play over the weekend. Two of the players are almost inseparable, namely Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard, who will become the first twin pair to play the same Masters. Denmark is one of 26 nations represented, a new record for the tournament.
+ TV Broadcasts
Viaplay will broadcast all days. Thursday's and Friday's play will also be shown on TV6.
