Throughout this week, each participant in the 88th Masters instalment, a number totalling 89, has made their entry via Gate 3, right off Washington Road and onto Magnolia Lane. They’ve all been directed down the picturesque lineup of trees towards the colonial style clubhouse by private security, many making the journey in electric Mercedes provided as a courtesy. The trophy, presently showcasing Jon Rahm’s name as the reigning champion, has been showcased strategically, enticing the players.
When Sunday arrives, only one lucky player will have the privilege of donning the coveted green jacket and hoisting the Masters trophy. Despite a possibly disruptive start due to weather predictions of lightning, the small participant count combined with forecasts for clear skies from Friday until Sunday suggests a smooth finish to the tournament.
So, the prevailing question is – who will be this year’s champion?
The Masters: Eyes will be on both Rory McIlroy who is chasing the Augusta title again and favourite Scottie Scheffler.
No doubts, Scottie Scheffler is the front runner at this moment in time. The previously victorious 2022 champion heads into this week refreshed from a week’s hiatus and with the impressive record of two wins and a second position in his last three tournaments, the victories including the Players Championship. Although he’s not quite there yet, this strip of form is reminiscent of how Tiger Woods, on multiple occasions, entered and won dominantly.
But there’s more to it. The subplots are rife with potential. One significant factor is how the LIV players, including Rahm, who have been gearing up towards this first Major of the year on a shortened play schedule, will fare. Observations from the previous year suggest that each of the 13 players who switched over to the start-up moneyed tour still have high hopes and feel like they have something to prove.
Rahm, however, believes this condensed schedule might be advantageous for his performance criteria.
“I am feeling better physically compared to last year. Once the competition kicks off, everything else becomes secondary. The goal is to post a credible score once the starting gun sounds… I am ready and raring to give it my best”, he puts in no uncertain terms.
The previous Masters victors, Scheffler and Rahm, are understandably keen to enhance their standing in the tournament’s illustrious history. Meanwhile, others who have not yet celebrated a Masters win are eagerly stepping up to the challenge. Among them stands reigning US Open champion, Wyndham Clark, making his inaugural appearance, and Ludvig Aberg, vying for victory on his first attempt.
Also joining the fray are two eminent Irish golfers, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. Both have previous Majorly successful scores to their name, yet Masters success is still elusive.
In an effort to earn the career Grand Slam, McIlroy has been repeatedly returning to the esteemed golfing landscape. A decade has passed since claiming his latest Major victory, the 2014 US PGA. However, could his intensified sporting agenda for the year bring rewards? His recent third-place finish at the Valero Texas Open, despite a significant gap from the front, suggests an impending return to top form.
This time last year, McIlroy entered the opening round brimming with optimism. A disappointing exit followed when he failed to make the cut. Now, teamed with Scheffler for the first two rounds, McIlroy is keeping his expectations tempered whilst taking a longer-term approach.
Reflecting on previous unsuccessful attempts, McIlroy acknowledges: “I’ve learned not to try and seize the victory from the get-go. It’s a four-round event. I’ve managed to clinch a win coming back from a 10 stroke deficit. There are many paths to victory.
“This course nudges you to pursue more aggressively, especially when you have a bogey or are out of position, tempting you to risk more. As confident as I am with my skills, it’s sometimes best to opt for a cautious approach, displaying patience and discipline. With four rounds to play, there is time to remain steadfast to your strategy. That’s the crucial lesson I’ve attempted to imbibe over the years at this tournament.”
McIlroy’s statements undoubtedly strike the right chord, though embodying them presents a sterner test. For Lowry too, there’s an underlying assurance that he’s ripe for the challenge. He has familiarised himself with the art of playing at Augusta National, boasting a third-place performance in 2022 which stands as the pinnacle of his four-year stint, during which he has consistently ended in the top-25.
Currently, his form doesn’t disappoint either, with both a fourth-place spot at the Cognizant Classic and a third-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he partnered with Scheffler for the final round.
“Indeed, one can make this course look effortless or troublesome depending on one’s gameplay,” added Lowry. “It’s equally important to outsmart the golf course and know where to fall short. I believe that this golf course’s narrative this week focuses more on the missteps than the excellent shots. If you’re off-course shots are tactfully placed, you’ll fare well.”
The possibility of becoming the inaugural Irish victor of the Masters is a feat Lowry would undeniably savour. “It’s a toss-up. If it’s not him [McIlroy], then my hope is it’s me, or if it’s not me, then him.”
However, the remaining 87 players introduce a level of unpredictability in the tournament. Among these contenders, the most anticipated is the current world champion Scheffler.