Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy chase history at the Masters

Scheffler eyes back-to-back titles while McIlroy seeks career Grand Slam at Augusta National.

Masters champion Scottie Scheffler of the United States tees off from the fourth hole during the Par 3 Contest ahead of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy chase history at the Masters this week, as the world’s top golfers gather at Augusta National for the first major championship of the season. Scheffler, the defending champion and current world number one, aims to become only the fourth player in history to win back-to-back Masters titles. McIlroy, meanwhile, continues his long-running quest to complete the career Grand Slam.

With the iconic course blooming in springtime Georgia, the pressure has never been higher. For both men, the 2025 edition of the Masters isn’t just about the coveted green jacket—it’s about securing a legacy.

Strong starts matter at Augusta

If history is any indication, the first round at Augusta is more than just an early benchmark. It often sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. Each of the last 19 Masters winners have opened with an under-par score on Thursday. Even more telling: the last five champions were inside the top three after the first round.

That statistic weighs heavily on contenders this year. “It’s just hard to catch up when somebody starts strong and can keep it going,” said 2023 champion Jon Rahm, reflecting on the unique intensity that surrounds Augusta’s opening day.

Scheffler is all too aware of that. The 28-year-old American, who claimed his first green jacket in 2022 and defended it successfully last year, is again the tournament favorite. But he insists he’s focused on execution, not history.

“When I step on the first tee on Thursday, I’m going to remind myself that I’ve done the work,” Scheffler said during his pre-tournament press conference. “It’s all about going out and competing now.”

A chance to join the greats

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy chase history at the Masters, but in different ways. For Scheffler, a victory would place him in one of golf’s most exclusive clubs. Only three players have won back-to-back Masters: Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.

To even be mentioned in that group is an honor, Scheffler admits. But he’s doing his best to stay grounded.

“I don’t like to get too far ahead of myself,” he said. “There are a lot of great players here. I’m just trying to play my game and let the rest take care of itself.”

Still, Scheffler's form coming into the tournament is undeniable. He has already won twice this season and finished no worse than T10 in his last five starts. His short game remains sharp, his putting is consistent, and his course management is among the best in the field.

McIlroy’s Grand Slam dream

While Scheffler eyes history through a different lens, Rory McIlroy enters Augusta with a familiar narrative. The 34-year-old Northern Irishman has won every major except the Masters. It's the only missing piece in his otherwise glittering résumé, and this week marks his 11th attempt to complete the career Grand Slam.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits a shot from the ninth tee during the third practice round ahead of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Photo by Joel Marklund/Getty Images

“I feel like I’ve had enough good rounds around here to believe that I can do it,” McIlroy told reporters. “I just need to put four of them together in the same week.”

McIlroy’s best finish at Augusta came in 2022 when he finished second, posting a stunning final-round 64. He’s hoping to draw on that performance while avoiding the pitfalls that have plagued his early rounds in past years.

His preparation has been meticulous. McIlroy arrived at Augusta early, played several practice rounds, and met with coaches and sports psychologists to strengthen both his swing and his mindset.

A field stacked with contenders

While Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy chase history at the Masters, the competition is anything but light. Jon Rahm, the 2023 winner, returns with plenty of confidence. Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland all have recent form that suggests a breakthrough could be near.

And then there’s the wildcard: Tiger Woods. The five-time champion is making another appearance despite ongoing health challenges. While few expect Woods to contend, his presence always adds to the atmosphere at Augusta.

“Tiger being here makes this event even more special,” McIlroy said. “He’s the reason a lot of us are playing golf in the first place.”

Course conditions and expectations

This year’s Masters may also be defined by conditions on the course. The forecast calls for dry, breezy weather through the weekend, which could make Augusta’s already tricky greens even tougher to manage. Pin positions are expected to be challenging, rewarding creativity and punishing mistakes.

That could play into the hands of someone like Scheffler, whose calm demeanor and technical skill have repeatedly served him well under pressure.

“Augusta National rewards patience and precision,” said CBS analyst and former pro Trevor Immelman. “Scheffler and McIlroy both have what it takes. It’s just about whether they can bring it all together at the right time.”

Pressure, legacy, and opportunity

As Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy chase history at the Masters, the pressure on each man is immense—but for different reasons. Scheffler is trying to confirm his dominance and etch his name deeper into the sport’s history books. McIlroy is searching for redemption and the completion of a journey that began more than a decade ago.

Both know that a strong Thursday performance could be the catalyst they need. And both understand that in golf’s most sacred venue, legacies are made—or broken—on every shot.

For fans, it means another unforgettable week at Augusta is underway. For Scheffler and McIlroy, it’s a moment of truth.

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy chasing history at the Masters isn’t just a headline—it’s the heartbeat of this year’s tournament. One man could become a modern legend by defending his title. The other could finally fulfill the promise of a complete Grand Slam. As the first round unfolds, all eyes will be on Augusta’s fairways, where pressure, precision, and possibility collide.

Stay tuned for updates as the Masters continues to deliver high drama, beautiful golf, and moments that will live on in the game’s history forever.