What's happened
The 89th Masters Tournament kicks off on April 10 at Augusta National Golf Club. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler aims for his third green jacket, while Rory McIlroy seeks his first Masters win to complete the career Grand Slam. Tiger Woods will miss the tournament due to injury.
What's behind the headline?
Key Players and Stakes
- Scottie Scheffler: Defending champion aiming for a third title in four years, a feat only achieved by Jack Nicklaus.
- Rory McIlroy: Needs a Masters win to complete the career Grand Slam, having not won a major in 11 years.
- Field Diversity: The tournament features players from 26 countries, highlighting its global appeal.
Implications of Tiger Woods' Absence
- Woods' absence marks the first time he will miss the Masters since 2021, raising questions about his future in competitive golf.
- His injury could shift viewer interest and sponsorship dynamics, as he has historically drawn significant attention to the event.
Future of the Tournament
- The Masters continues to evolve, with increasing international participation and a growing prize purse, which was $20 million in 2024. This trend may attract more global talent in the coming years.
What the papers say
According to AP News, the Masters will feature a 95-player field, the smallest for a major, with Scottie Scheffler defending his title. The New York Post highlights the significance of Scheffler's potential back-to-back wins, noting only a few players have achieved this feat. Additionally, the absence of Tiger Woods due to a ruptured Achilles tendon is a major talking point, as reported by multiple sources, including AP News. The tournament's global representation is also emphasized, with players from 26 countries participating, marking a record for the event.
How we got here
The Masters, established in 1934, is one of golf's four major championships. This year's tournament features a 95-player field, the smallest in major history, with notable absences including Tiger Woods, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Go deeper
- What are the odds for the top players?
- How has the Masters evolved over the years?
- What impact does Tiger Woods' absence have on the tournament?
Common question
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Who are the favorites for the Masters Tournament 2025?
The 89th Masters Tournament is set to begin on April 10, 2025, at Augusta National Golf Club. With defending champion Scottie Scheffler aiming for his third green jacket and Rory McIlroy looking to complete his career Grand Slam, the competition is heating up. But what other storylines should fans watch for this year?
More on these topics
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Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods is an American professional golfer. He is tied for first in PGA Tour wins and ranks second in men's major championships and also holds numerous golf records.
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Scottie Scheffler is an American professional golfer, who currently plays on the PGA Tour.
Scheffler was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey but moved to Dallas, Texas at a young age.
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Rory McIlroy MBE is a professional golfer from Northern Ireland who is a member of both the European and PGA Tours. He is a former world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking, having spent over 100 weeks in that position during his career.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Georgia is a state in the Southeastern Region of the United States. Georgia is the 24th-largest in area and 8th-most populous of the 50 United States.