“The fear of expectation is far greater than the burden of repeating.”
Many believe the 2025 Masters will come down to a two-man tilt between Rory McIlroy, a two-time winner this season, and Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion at Augusta National. They’re the only players with pre-tournament odds below +1000 (10-1), and their recent résumés give us good reason to believe that mano-a-mano storyline could come to fruition. Yet this is Augusta National, and for every elite victory like Jordan Spieth in 2015 there is a Danny Willett waiting one year later.
We say this with the understanding that the past three Masters winners have shown incredible form coming into the year’s first major. In 2022, Scheffler had won three times prior to slipping his arms into his first green jacket. Similarly, Jon Rahm won three times before his Masters moment in 2023. And Scheffler’s 2024 Augusta win came after a second Players and API titles.
Along those same lines, McIlroy is playing like the best player in the world of late. Yet Augusta is another animal all together. McIlroy once again will attempt to close out the career grand slam amid the azaleas, but he does so under the specter that no player has accomplished this feat following his third try; this is McIlroy’s 11th attempt.
Surely the Rory rhetoric will be suffocating starting the week. Thankfully, the course is a delightful distraction from all of the persistent candor involving the two at the top. Masters week is a celebration of spring for a majority of the golf world. The beautiful mosaic of colors against golf’s most green background tells us all it is time to pay attention. More important to us than opening day, the time has come to love, cherish and appreciate a true tradition unlike any other in sport. Welcome to Masters week!
To properly prepare for the 89th Masters, we once again offer this scouting report that outlines each and every player in the field (not just two of them) this week at Augusta National. Before diving in to our Power Ranking, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the key information included with each player.
• Age: Most majors are won by players in their 20s and 30s. Always good to keep track of any birthday milestones.
• Odds to win: These are the futures odds listed for each player prior to Monday of tournament week on Fanduel.
• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) value: The posted price for each competitor on DraftKings.
• OWGR/Data Golf: Let’s face the facts, the OWGR is incomplete. Right now, Jon Rahm is ranked 75th in the world. To give us a better top line view of player performance, I included the Data Golf rankings. (All rankings were prior to the Valero Texas Open and LIV Golf Miami events.)
• Masters 2024: How each player fared last year.
• Masters appearances/cuts made: The number of times a player has competed in the tournament along with the number of successful cuts made.
• Best Masters finish: Again, another quick reference tool. In 88 editions, only one player has won the Masters three times in four years; Jack Nicklaus. Can Scottie be the second to grab a third green jacket in such a short period of time?
• Notes: A quick summary for each player to pique or deter your interest in their chances to win or play well in the 89th Masters.
Nine past champions, four PGA Tour winners from the last year, four amateur qualifiers and one recently released player from prison. The Masters has a one-of-kind field, and the final grouping runs the gambit of golf personalities. Vijay Singh and Jose Maria Olazabal both made the cut last year so be prepared for one or two surprises from this group. Bernhard Langer’s final competitive Masters was supposed to be last year, but he tore his Achilles. Incredibly, the 67-year old two-time green jacket winner not only made it back to the hallowed halls of Augusta National, but he continues to take home trophies on the PGA Tour Champions!
Cam Davis, Evan Beck, Angel Cabrera, Brian Campbell, Rafael Campos, Fred Couples, Nick Dunlap, Justin Hastings, Max Homa, Zach Johnson, Noah Kent, Patton Kizzire, Bernhard Langer, Jose Maria Olazabal, Davis Riley, Adam Schenk, Vijay Singh, Hiroshi Tai, Bubba Watson, Mike Weir, Danny Willett
Forty-six of the top 50 players in the OWGR are competing. Getting inside that cutline is going to take some serious patience, persistence and skill. Nine players in this range have won since the last time we traveled down Magnolia Lane. My favorite story in this range is a recent one. Michael Kim was ranked 162 (OWGR) in February at the WM Phoenix Open. The top 50 OWGR cutoff follows the Houston Open. In eight events, Kim dropped 112 ranking points and qualified for his second Masters at 31 years old. That’s an incredible run for Amen Corner!
51. Harris English, 52. Brain Harman, 53. Michael Kim, 54. Sahith Theegala, 55. Kevin Yu, 56. Chris Kirk, 57. Sam Burns, 58. Stephan Jaeger, 59. Nicolai Højgaard, 60. Byeong Hun An, 61. Nick Taylor, 62. Nico Echavarria, 63. Charl Schwartzel, 64. Cameron Young, 65. Laurie Canter, 66. Max Greyserman, 67. Matt Fitzpatrick, 68. Austin Eckroat, 69. Rasmus Højgaard, 70. Jose Luis Ballester, 71. Matthieu Pavon, 72. Thriston Lawrence, 73. Matt McCarty, 74. Jhonattan Vegas, 75. Joe Highsmith
Age: 54
Odds to win: +17000
DFS Value: $6,900
OWGR: N/A Data Golf: 342
Masters 2024: T-43
Masters appearances/cuts made: 31/28
Best finish: Won (2004, 2006, 2010)
Age: 29
Odds to win: +9000
DFS Value: $7,100
OWGR: 16 Data Golf: 46
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: Rookie
Best finish: N/A
Age: 44
Odds to win: +10000
DFS Value: $7,200
OWGR: 38 Data Golf: 96
Masters 2024: MC
Masters appearances/cuts made: 19/16
Best finish: 2 (2015, 2017)
Age: 32
Odds to win: +28000
DFS Value: $6,500
OWGR: 40 Data Golf: 22
Masters 2024: T-45
Masters appearances/cuts made: 1/1
Best finish: T-45 (2024)
Age: 30
Odds to win: +19000
DFS Value: $6,600
OWGR: 56 Data Golf: 68
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: 3/3
Best finish: T-38 (2020)
Age: 32
Odds to win: +16000
DFS Value: $6,900
OWGR: 26 Data Golf: 56
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: Rookie
Best finish: N/A
Age: 37
Odds to win: +7000
DFS Value: $7,600
OWGR: 36 Data Golf: 30
Masters 2024: T-30
Masters appearances/cuts made: 13/10
Best finish: T-2 (2011)
Age: 31
Odds to win: +28000
DFS Value: $6,500
OWGR: 45 Data Golf: 41
Masters 2024: T-30
Masters appearances/cuts made: 3/2
Best finish: T-30 (2024)
Age: 31
Odds to win: +11000
DFS Value: $7,100
OWGR: 44 Data Golf: 31
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: 5/4
Best finish: T-10 (2016)
Age: 30
Odds to win: +16000
DFS Value: $6,800
OWGR: 27 Data Golf: 25
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: Rookie
Best finish: N/A
Age: 34
Odds to win: +16000
DFS Value: $6,800
OWGR: 28 Data Golf: 20
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: 1/1
Best finish: T-23 (2022)
Augusta National is a second-shot golf course, and none have been better than Spaun on approach over the last 36 rounds. The leader in weighted strokes gained approach, Spaun is certainly a threat to finish inside the top 25 as he did during his rookie campaign.
Age: 27
Odds to win: +7500
DFS Value: $7,300
OWGR: 24 Data Golf: 33
Masters 2024: MC
Masters appearances/cuts made: 5/3
Best finish: T-2 (2020)
Im had two top-10s in his first three Masters starts. He has cooled off since, but that early display shows he has the complete skill set to seriously contend around Amen Corner.
Age: 22
Odds to win: +9000
DFS Value: $7,500
OWGR: 31 Data Golf: 40
Masters 2024: T-30
Masters appearances/cuts made: 2/2
Best finish: T-16 (2023)
Pundits pick on Kim’s length off the tee, but he has responded with two top-30 finishes among the azaleas. Recent struggles with the putter and short game have moved him down the rankings, but there’s no doubt Kim has a knack for focus on the biggest of stages.
Age: 25
Odds to win: +12000
DFS Value: $7,000
OWGR: 47 Data Golf: 38
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: Rookie
Best finish: N/A
Thompson has two top-10 performances in his last three “major” outings. A T-9 at Pinehurst last year and a 10th at last month’s Players suggest this is a star in the making. Thompson’s game suits this setting with tremendous touch on and around the green complemented by ball speed off the tee.
Age: 35
Odds to win: +28000
DFS Value: $6,400
OWGR: 53 Data Golf: 100
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: 2/1
Best finish: T-39 (2022)
There are few better approach players on the PGA Tour than Hoge. He’s one of my favorites to listen to on the practice tee at tour events, as he absolutely flushes it with his irons. Hoge is back at Augusta thanks for reaching the Tour Championship last August. That requires a level of consistency in all aspects of his game that tells us there’s more to this ball-striker than just approach proximity.
Age: 33
Odds to win: +16000
DFS Value: $6,700
OWGR: 39 Data Golf: 27
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: Rookie
Best finish: N/A
Pendrith is a top-10 ball-striker on the PGA Tour. The two-time Presidents Cup participant can hang with any player in this field for driving. Pendrith can even pop with the putter, but his short game gives me concern. He’ll need to spend some time with countryman Corey Conners and learn the nuance of ANGC if he plans to truly contend.
Age: 40
Odds to win: +9000
DFS Value: $7,500
OWGR: N/A Data Golf: 166
Masters 2024: MC
Masters appearances/cuts made: 14/11
Best finish: Won (2020)
Johnson’s rankings are purely based upon talent and résumé. In Johnson’s most recent LIV start, he opened with 63 and closed with 73. That just about sums it up. If any event were to catch his attention it’s the Masters. A Tuesday night Champions’ dinner might just be the spark needed to get another glimpse of DJ’s greatness.
Age: 35
Odds to win: +5500
DFS Value: $7,800
OWGR: 33 Data Golf: 36
Masters 2024: T-55
Masters appearances/cuts made: 7/7
Best finish: T-5 (2019)
Finau’s Masters résumé should place him higher on this list. Seven for seven in cuts made with three top-10s. Unfortunately for Finau, the trend is not your friend. Three missed cuts in five full field events this year and no finishes inside the top 25 at Augusta National in the last three starts give me great pause for this week.
Age: 26
Odds to win: +2900
DFS Value: $9,300
OWGR: 84 Data Golf: 8
Masters 2024: T-22
Masters appearances/cuts made: 5/4
Best finish: T-16 (2023)
The numbers just do not add up for Niemann. The terrific 20-something has 22 major championship starts and only one top 20 to his credit. A Data Golf darling, Joaquin needs to figure this out. The good news is Niemann has time, at 26 he has a whole major career of starts and potential still ahead of him.
Age: 23
Odds to win: +5500
DFS Value: $8,100
OWGR: 23 Data Golf: 21
Masters 2024: T-35
Masters appearances/cuts made: 1/1
Best finish: T-35 (2024)
Bhatia played nicely in his Masters debut a year ago, then backed it up with a T-16 at the U.S. Open, a trip to the Tour Championship, and a third at the 2025 Players. With three top-10s in his last five starts, Nantz might be mentioning Akshay’s name more than the average fan is prepared for. Bhatia is a great sleeper pick when it comes to needing ball strikers to perform in tiered contests.
Age: 45
Odds to win: +12000
DFS Value: $7,100
OWGR: 386 Data Golf: 26
Masters 2024: MC
Masters appearances/cuts made: 25/15
Best finish: Won (2017)
Gracia wants on the European Ryder Cup team, and guess what—I want him there, too! What better theater than Garcia coming back to Bethpage. The recent results prove he can do it. In five 2025 starts, he has a win and two more top-six results. The man won his green jacket on the 19th attempt so don’t be surprised at all if his persistence pushes him into major contention a couple times this year.
Age: 26
Odds to win: +4600
DFS Value: $8,500
OWGR: 22 Data Golf: 23
Masters 2024: T-22
Masters appearances/cuts made: 3/2
Best finish: T-14 (2022)
We all saw it in Houston and experienced it throughout TGL’s inaugural season: Lee has star power. In 13 career major starts, the Aussie has eight top-30 finishes. Just 26, there’s no doubt Min Woo is just starting to learn how to score at the highest level. Twice in contention at the Players (in three starts), Lee’s short game and driver are two perfect tools for contending around Amen Corner.
Age: 44
Odds to win: +12000
DFS Value: $7,200
OWGR: 32 Data Golf: 47
Masters 2024: T-22
Masters appearances/cuts made: 23/21
Best finish: Won (2013)
Scott comes to Augusta having played in 93 straight major championship, the longest active streak going. Impressively, he hasn’t missed a cut at Augusta National since 2009. While not necessarily an option to win, in pools where you need to fulfill certain criteria, Scott checks all the boxes.
Age: 45
Odds to win: +12000
DFS Value: $6,600
OWGR: 29 Data Golf: 24
Masters 2024: T-20
Masters appearances/cuts made: 10/6
Best finish: T-20 (2007, 2024)
Glover has had quite the career resurgence. Coming off two top-10s at the Players (third) and Valspar (eighth), his ball-striking might be some of the best we have seen in his career. We know the putter is a concern, but Augusta National has been conquered many times by average putters. Why? The greens are so difficult even the best putters cannot use their flatstick to separate from the field. Guys like Glover can contend with incredible impact and a collection of two-putt GIRs.
Age: 28
Odds to win: +5500
DFS Value: $8,000
OWGR: 17 Data Golf: 18
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: 2/2
Best finish: T-12 (2021)
If Glover’s run catches your attention, Bobby Mac’s recent form is even better! The Scotsman has four top-11 finishes in his last five starts highlighted by a ninth place at the Players. MacIntyre is a great driver, putter and scorer. His recent success stems from a couple great approach weeks. What better time to excel with your irons than heading into a “second shot” golf course.
Age: 28
Odds to win: +4100
DFS Value: $8,300
OWGR: 63 Data Golf: 43
Masters 2024: T-9
Masters appearances/cuts made: 3/3
Best finish: 2 (2021)
In his first trip to the Masters, Zalatoris finished runner-up to Hideki Matsuyama in 2021. Since then, Zalatoris has made two more starts, and both results were inside the top 9! We haven’t heard his name much in 2025, but he has not missed a cut and has three top-25 results. Some guys just thrive at Augusta National, and Willy Z is one of them.
Age: 31
Odds to win: +7000
DFS Value: $7,700
OWGR: 10 Data Golf: 37
Masters 2024: MC
Masters appearances/cuts made: 1/0
Best finish: N/A
Clark came into his first Masters (2024) with a runner-up finish at the Players and API in his rearview mirror and proceeded to missed the cut. Two weeks ago, he finished fifth at the Houston Open. Clark’s place in the power ranking is based upon two signature wins and his 2023 U.S. Open triumph. The question now is when will that potential flourish at Bobby Jones’ paradise?
Age: 38
Odds to win: +16000
DFS Value: $6,900
OWGR: 20 Data Golf: 48
Masters 2024: DNP
Masters appearances/cuts made: 9/7
Best finish: T-17 (2016)
Horschel did not qualify for the 2024 Masters, breaking a a streak of six straight trips down Magnolia Lane. Horschel did, however, finish eighth at the PGA and runner-up at the Open Championship. Two top-eight finishes in his last three major starts are something Billy has never done in his career and certainly catches our attention. Fourth at the Valspar in his last start, Horschel has far more championship potential than just winning a TGL title.
Age: 38
Odds to win: +16000
DFS Value: $7,000
OWGR: 14 Data Golf: 19
Masters 2024: T-22
Masters appearances/cuts made: 8/7
Best finish: T-22 (2015, 2024)
Bradley’s Masters résumé is impressive while still wanting a little more. In eight starts, Bradley has three top-25 results and seven made cuts, but nothing better than a T-22. Keegan is competent, but talent and motivation are a powerful combination. Since being announced as the 2025 Ryder Cup Captain last July, Bradley has 15 starts, eight top-25s and a FedEx Cup Playoffs win. Oh, and did I mention he sunk the wining putt at the Presidents Cup? Get ready for some serious USA chants echoing across the grounds of Augusta National.
Age: 33
Odds to win: +5500
DFS Value: $7,900
OWGR: 21 Data Golf: 14
Masters 2024: T-38
Masters appearances/cuts made: 7/5
Best finish: T-6 (2022)
Will Conners win the Masters? Probably not. Can Conners help you win a tiered contest? Most definitely. The Canadian made every major cut in 2024 and around Amen Corner he has three top-10 results in seven starts. He rolls into major season with some serious confidence. In his last four starts, Conners has three top-10 finishes.
Age: 31
Odds to win: +7500
DFS Value: $7,600
OWGR: 13 Data Golf: 17
Masters 2024: T-16
Masters appearances/cuts made: 3/3
Best finish: T-16 (2024)
Straka has been really impressive in 2025, with 10 starts, six top-15 finishes and a win at the American Express. He’s also a nice sleeper pick here, not only for his Georgia Bulldog ties but his three starts without yet missing the weekend in Augusta. Straka reached a career low rank of 11th in the OWGR at the Players.
Age: 37
Odds to win: +3900
DFS Value: $8,800
OWGR: 12 Data Golf: 10
Masters 2024: T-43
Masters appearances/cuts made: 9/6
Best finish: T-3 (2022)
In his last five Masters starts, Lowry has four top-25 finishes. The Irishman can flash some serious game when conditions get really challenging. Case and point, he went T-6, T-19, T-6 in the final three majors of 2024. Lowry has four top-11 results in his last six starts coming into Augusta. We’ve entered the range of these rankings where guys can seriously win a green jacket, and that’s why Lowry sits here on the list.
Age: 27
Odds to win: +3600
DFS Value: $9,200
OWGR: 8 Data Golf: 29
Masters 2024: MC
Masters appearances/cuts made: 5/4
Best finish: T-7 (2023)
Buying a lottery ticket might make more sense than backing Hovland. Before his win three weeks ago in Tampa, the Norwegian had not recorded a top-10 since the FedEx St. Jude in August. Three missed cuts and a third place at the PGA Championship defined Viktor’s 2024 major season. See the trend? Prior to 2024, Hovland had five straight top-13 results in majors. Hovland could win the Masters or miss the cut. In either case, even Viktor may not know why.
Age: 31
Odds to win: +9000
DFS Value: $7,300
OWGR: 112 Data Golf: 57
Masters 2024: T-12
Masters appearances/cuts made: 11/9
Best finish: Won (2018)
Reed has eight starts in 2025 and four top-10s. Around the green acumen is a huge asset at Augusta National, and the former Masters champ has proven he can win here with scoring shots. With his T-12 finish in 2024, Reed now has a win and four more top-12 results in the last seven years at Augusta. That’s an impressive record for a player most fans will forget is even playing until late on Sunday afternoon when they see his name near the top of the leaderboard.
Age: 33
Odds to win: +4100
DFS Value: $8,700
OWGR: 15 Data Golf: 9
Masters 2024: T-22
Masters appearances/cuts made: 8/6
Best finish: T-9 (2019)
The Masters tests every skill in your bag, and Cantlay is one of the top three or four of the game’s most well-rounded players. In his last 10 majors, Cantlay has eight top-25 finishes, with a T-14 and T-22 in his last two Masters appearances. Patty Ice has been proficient in 2025 and poised for something special. Four top-15s in seven starts is strong. Says here Cantlay will win a major in his career.
Age: 34
Odds to win: +3400
DFS Value: $9,400
OWGR: 231 Data Golf: 45
Masters 2024: T-45
Masters appearances/cuts made: 9/7
Best finish: T-2 (2019, 2023)
We all know that majors get Koepka’s full attention; just one player in the field owns more major victories than Brooks. I know most feel his ranking should be higher, but since winning the 2023 PGA, Koepka has just one top-25 finish in golf’s four greatest tests. It has been a minute since Koepka has contended, and with just five LIV starts in 2025, I wonder if those events are enough to prepare him for Scottie and Rory. The two (very) best players in the world.
Age: 31
Odds to win: +3600
DFS Value: $9,000
OWGR: 66 Data Golf: 75
Masters 2024: MC
Masters appearances/cuts made: 11/9
Best finish: Won (2015)
For Spieth, the Augusta answer is simple: Can he overcome the 2016 Masters? In nine starts since that tragic stumble around Amen Corner, Spieth has four top-four finishes, so he’s been there on Sunday multiple times since he rinsed it twice nine years ago. The wrist is brand new, and the game has shown moments of Spieth sorcery in 2025. Many will take the Jordan journey this week especially after a T-12 result and a very nice tee-to-green showing in San Antonio.
Age: 34
Odds to win: +3600
DFS Value: $9,100
OWGR: 11 Data Golf: 6
Masters 2024: T-3
Masters appearances/cuts made: 8/7
Best finish: T-3 (2024)
Fleetwood is having an incredible season. Starting in Dubai and wrapping in San Antonio, he has been flushing the golf ball, making seven starts and finishing in the top 22 six times. Of course, there’s one slight issue with his record: only one top-10! Fleetwood must be strongly considered for another deep run down Magnolia Lane, but any more than a top-10 is probably my heart getting ahead of my head.
Age: 31
Odds to win: +5500
DFS Value: $8,200
OWGR: 123 Data Golf: 77
Masters 2024: T-6
Masters appearances/cuts made: 8/8
Best finish: T-2 (2020)
Last year, Smith withdrew from the LIV event the week before the Masters, then finished T-6 at Augusta. With only one LIV results inside the top 10 this year (Miami), Cam might be ready to capture the green jacket. Like Spieth, Smith can always contend at Augusta National because he knows how to score. Smith has five top-10s in his last seven starts down Magnolia Lane. With that kind of record and the ability to take down big titles, I’ll always keep him near the top of Augusta’s Power Rankings.
Age: 33
Odds to win: +3600
DFS Value: $8,600
OWGR: 18 Data Golf: 13
Masters 2024: T-9
Masters appearances/cuts made: 8/6
Best finish: T-9 (2024)
Did you know Hatton was ranked eighth in the OWGR in January? An incredible ball-striker on any tour, the Englishman continues to learn Augusta National. With two top-20s in his last four Masters starts, the long-iron game and touch around the green get him very close to a top-10 ranking. I believe Tyrrell has the talent to win a major championship, but does he have the patience. No venue requires more than Augusta National, which he has criticized in years past . Hatton will get close again and a strong bet for a top 10 but winning … well let’s not get anyone too fired up before Thursday.
Age: 35
Odds to win: +5500
DFS Value: $8,400
OWGR: 7 Data Golf: 7
Masters 2024: T-38
Masters appearances/cuts made: 8/7
Best finish: T-4 (2023)
In his last 25 starts, Hanley won a signature event at Bay Hill, finished seventh at Pinehurst, fifth at Royal Troon and has racked up 10 top-10s! At 35, PGA Tour pros should be plateauing, not getting better. One of the field leaders in driving accuracy, approach proximity and BoB percentage, if you’re looking for solid sleeper pick, then I present you this dream option.
Age: 31
Odds to win: +2100
DFS Value: $9,900
OWGR: 19 Data Golf: 15
Masters 2024: T-6
Masters appearances/cuts made: 8/6
Best finish: T-6 (2024)
We are inside the favorites zone on the odds board. The books believe DeChambeau can win the Masters. To accomplish that, I think Bryson needs a little more rain in the forecast. The 2019 Masters was a wet one, and DeChambeau finished inside the top 30. In the COVID edition in 2020, the course was soft in November and Bryson ended the week T-34. Last year, DeChambeau destroyed a wet Augusta National during a weather-delayed Round 1 and that resulted in a top-10. Firm and fast terrain chipping with a mid-iron length wedge(s) can get challenging, and the last thing Bryson needs around Amen Corner is another thing to think about.
Age: 33
Odds to win: +2800
DFS Value: $9,500
OWGR: 6 Data Golf: 12
Masters 2024: T-38
Masters appearances/cuts made: 13/12
Best finish: Won (2021)
He opened 2025 with a record-setting performance in Hawaii. Since then, Matsuyama has been good, not great. He’s the best short pitcher of the golf ball in the field, the skill propelling him to a green jacket four years ago. Unfortunately, Hideki’s short game has been a bit busy lately. With two straight missed cuts coming into Augusta, Matsuyama must get the approach game back to where it was in January if he is going to collect another emerald coat.
Age: 31
Odds to win: +2400
DFS Value: $9,600
OWGR: 9 Data Golf: 5
Masters 2024: MC
Masters appearances/cuts made: 9/7
Best finish: 4 (2020)
Even with two straight missed cuts at the Masters, Thomas is poised to make a serious run at a green jacket. I have been on-site for five of JT’s 2025 starts, and there’s something special going on. The Masters requires a complete skill set, but those who can really manage their entire approach game and score from close range are the best horses to back. This Louisville slugger has shown those aspects of his game are great again. Thomas has gained on approach in 14 straight starts going all the way back to Royal Troon in July. His short game is equally stellar, and I don’t see seventh on this list as a risk. If anything, the only risk is not getting in when Justin’s odds jump on Wednesday as everyone takes someone else.
Age: 25
Odds to win: +1700
DFS Value: $10,800
OWGR: 5 Data Golf: 16
Masters 2024: 2
Masters appearances/cuts made: 1/1
Best finish: 2 (2024)
If you follow Read The Line, you know I love Åberg. But two straight missed cuts and our relationship is being seriously tested heading into Augusta. The driver is always incredible. On approach, his long-iron game is absolutely awesome. As we get closer to the hole, there might be some cause for concern. Åberg lost strokes around the green in all four major championships last year and missed the cut in two of them. Should Åberg’s approach game accumulate 55+ GIRs, I’m all in. The likelihood of that happening is slim, therefore in order to break in the top five this major season we need to see some serious short-game scoring.
Age: 30
Odds to win: +1700
DFS Value: $10,400
OWGR: 75 Data Golf: 4
Masters 2024: T-45
Masters appearances/cuts made: 8/8
Best finish: Won (2023)
Rahm fell far below his 2024 major-championship expectations. Rahm’s run at Royal Troon, finishing T-7 from the bad-weather wave was a chance to finish on a positive note, but a collapse at the Olympics ended his elite event season on a very sour storyline. Rahm has already shown he is a man on a mission in 2025. In five starts, Rahm’s results are T-2, 6, T-6, T-5 and T-9. The spectacular Spainard is seeing red and ready for a run at all four majors. Most of the media thinks Rahm is at a disadvantage not competing on the PGA Tour. I see it as just the opposite. By not fighting against Rory and Scottie every week, Rahm remains fresh and ready to rumble all weekend at Augusta.
Age: 31
Odds to win: +2100
DFS Value: $9,700
OWGR: 3 Data Golf: 11
Masters 2024: 8
Masters appearances/cuts made: 7/6
Best finish: T-2 (2019)
There’s a ton of attention on the big two at the top of the odds board. The last time I checked, Schaufele is the only player in the field defending TWO major championships. Scheffler may have two green jackets and nine wins but guess who has a gold medal, too! Xander’s résumé reads seven PGA Tour wins and boasts the most well-rounded skill set in the world. Need proof, Schauffele was able to close a birdiefest at the PGA and a slugfest at Royal Troon. In 30 career major starts, Xander has 15(!) top-10s. Worried about the ribs? Well, in his last start at the Valspar, Schauffele recorded a career event on approach. X marks the spot on this second shot golf course.
Age: 28
Odds to win: +1500
DFS Value: $10,500
OWGR: 4 Data Golf: 3
Masters 2024: T-3
Masters appearances/cuts made: 5/5
Best finish: T-3 (2024)
Morikawa is at a crossroads. Since the 2024 Masters, he has 10 top-10 finishes in 21 events. He passed the 30 under par plateau on the Plantation Course and lost by three to Hideki at The Sentry. Russell Henley nipped him by one at API, and he had the low gross score at the Tour Championship. Golf is a brutal game when you are doing everything right and cannot win. Now heading into Augusta, Morikawa faces Rory in remarkable form and Scottie as defending champ. As a PGA Coach, I don’t think Collin needs to change anything. In his last four Masters starts, Morikawa has gained strokes in all four major categories. While some implore change, I say take three straight top 10 results and play with confidence Collin.
Age: 35
Odds to win: +650
DFS Value: $11,100
OWGR: 2 Data Golf: 2
Masters 2024: T-22
Masters appearances/cuts made: 16/13
Best finish: 2 (2022)
McIlroy has more top-10s in the last decade at Augusta National than any other player in the field. Coincidentally, a decade is also how long McIlroy has been trying to complete the career grand slam and gain entrance into Butler Cabin to receive that coveted green jacket. In 2025, McIlroy has two wins, two more top-fives and two top-17 finishes. The strokes gained/total numbers are through the roof. Last year, Rory registered last and received the final caddie bib number. I have an idea, instead of always trying something new, why not do exactly what you have been doing for the last three months. It sure seems to be working.
Age: 28
Odds to win: +460
DFS Value: $12,400
OWGR: 1 Data Golf: 1
Masters 2024: Won
Masters appearances/cuts made: 5/5
Best finish: Won (2022, 2024)
The superlatives are not quite adding up for Scheffler, yet he is still ranked first in the Power Rankings. Scottie has played 65 events since he first jumped to World No. 1 back in March 2022. In that time, he has 13 wins and 37 top-five finishes. A magnificent Masters forecast will create perfect course conditions, the toughest test for the field, and the best situation for Scheffler. A firm and fast Augusta National will favor his consistency. That’s why Magnolia Lane will once again lead directly to Schefflerville.
