Every week, our writers and editors gather to share their candid takes on the sport’s hottest topics. This week, we gear up for the 2025 Masters and reflect on the conclusion of the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. You can join the conversation on Twitter @golf_com. [Editor’s note: Check out our Masters Confidential bonus preview for more in-depth coverage.]
Masters week has arrived, and with it, a host of intriguing narratives. Rory McIlroy is making another attempt at completing the career grand slam, while stars like Justin Thomas and Xander Schauffele are chasing their first green jacket. Scottie Scheffler is trying for his third, and two-time champion Bernhard Langer is bidding farewell. But until Rory claims the elusive green jacket, his journey to the slam remains a captivating headline. Does Rory need a Masters win the most?
Josh Berhow, our managing editor (@Josh_Berhow), reiterated that unless someone like Scottie is on the brink of a historic third consecutive win or we’re treated to a Tiger Woods tribute, Rory’s quest is the biggest story at Augusta. His haunting loss in 2011 and decade-long major drought add depth to his narrative. Despite the setbacks, Rory’s too talented not to eventually don the green jacket.
Agreeing with Berhow, associate editor Josh Schrock (@Schrock_And_Awe) believes Rory will remain a central storyline until he wins or is overshadowed by something monumental. Augusta National seems tailor-made for Rory’s game, making his near-misses—from the 2011 collapse to his close call in 2018—all the more tantalizing. Unless Tiger’s in the mix, Rory’s hunt for the grand slam is the headline to watch.
Jack Hirsh, associate equipment editor (@JR_HIRSHey), aligns with his colleagues, noting that Rory’s preparation this year has been exceptional, despite whispers of an elbow issue. Though some expectations may have cooled, it’s likely many have overlooked this minor setback.
What are Rory’s chances this week? Why might he triumph, and why might he not?
Berhow highlights Rory’s stellar form as a reason he could win. He’s claimed victory twice this year and emerged victorious from high-pressure situations like the Players Championship playoff. With seven top-10 Masters finishes, Rory is expected to contend, and eventually, one of those attempts should succeed.
Schrock emphasizes Rory’s claim of being at his most complete as a golfer, backed by impressive stats this season. His offseason work on his takeaway and course management, coupled with a new golf ball, has Rory firing on all cylinders. He is playing the best golf of anyone in the world right now, making this a prime opportunity for a win.
Hirsh points out the potential hurdles Rory faces. While Rory’s driver could launch him into spots not seen since the course changes, his nerves on the 10th might resurrect the ghosts of 2011. Augusta has been his Achilles’ heel.
Shifting gears, Berhow yearns for Jordan Spieth’s 2015 form at the Masters. Celebrating the decade since Spieth’s remarkable win, Berhow notes the unpredictability of Spieth’s game. His recent Masters record shows glimpses of brilliance, and having him in contention makes for compelling golf.
Schrock is watching Jon Rahm closely. His debut major season with LIV Golf didn’t impress, outside of a T7 at The Open. Following a missed Masters defense and a PGA Championship cut, Rahm’s potential at Masters remains a story to watch.
Hirsh considers Joaquin Niemann as another LIV golfer with something to prove. Despite being touted as a top player, Niemann has yet to crack a top-15 finish in a major, making this Masters a crucial test.
As for who might win their first green jacket, Berhow leans towards Collin Morikawa. His game suits Augusta perfectly, reinforced by a strong season with consistent top-10 finishes, including three consecutive at the Masters. Morikawa’s skill set makes him a promising candidate.
Schrock suggests Justin Thomas, with his artistic approach to the game, could thrive at Augusta. After a reemergence into form, he’s been playing like a top-10 contender for half a year, which could lead to him donning a green jacket soon.
Hirsh backs Morikawa, citing his elite ball-striking. Despite not having the same length as others, his precision makes him a strong fit for the strategic layout of Augusta.
From the LIV Miami event leading into the Masters, Berhow reserves his top pick for Bryson DeChambeau, followed by Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, and Cameron Smith. Smith, with five top-10 finishes here, remains an intriguing figure, although his major performance last season was lackluster.
Schrock’s contenders also include Bryson and Rahm, with Sergio Garcia and Tyrrell Hatton rounding out the list. Sergio’s solid form and good standing at Augusta make him a serious candidate, with Phil’s potential to turn back the clock still a remote but exciting prospect.
Hirsh ranks Rahm at the top, with Niemann, Sergio, Koepka, and Bryson following. Despite questionable past performances, Bryson’s potential to miss the cut in 2022 and 2023 doesn’t deter Hirsh from considering Rahm as the strongest contender.
On the women’s side, Carla Bernat Escuder’s fearless play impressed at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Her steady hold on the lead during the back nine, notably a strategic two-putt birdie on the 13th, demonstrated her composure under pressure. This tournament, although a relatively new fixture, has become a must-watch, offering a perfect precursor to the Masters.
Schrock praises Bernat Escuder’s unflinching performance, alongside a nod to Asterisk Talley’s remarkable shots on the first and seventeenth holes. Hirsh enjoyed Escuder’s candidness during her press conference and hopes for more of the ANWA to be played at Augusta National, alongside increased television coverage.
