It’s mid-February, and while the first golf major is still almost two months away, for us avid fans, the glass is half full — meaning it’s less than two months away! It’s always nice to try and analyze the contenders, and which courses suit which players. It’s not an exact science, but picking your four bets and seeing how they fare in golf’s toughest tests is fun. Let’s start with the year’s season opener at Augusta.

The Masters

Scheffler will always be a good bet. He isn’t number one for nothing. He hasn’t done much in 2025, but this could be good since he could peak in time for the season opener. I’d rank him as a “probably.”

Another popular choice is Rory McIlroy. He hasn’t gotten it done in so many years and has come agonizingly close in several majors. Could he finally break the curse? As much as I would love to see him complete the career Grand Slam by winning at Augusta, I think there would just be too much pressure for him to perform well. Not impossible, but unlikely. I’d say Rory is a “probably not” for the Masters.

Ludvig Aberg has everyone talking because of his potential. Having the length and a compact, sound swing should get him into contention. He won Tiger’s tournament and his game seems to be there. But is he peaking too early? We’ll see. I’d say Ludvig is a “could be.”

Bryson DeChambeau’s length will always be an advantage anywhere, more at Augusta where there is no rough. I think he has matured significantly and relieved himself of unnecessary pressure. For this reason, I think Bryson could win the Masters. If he keeps his cool, doesn’t overanalyze and complicate things, and has a decent putting week, he may get a green jacket. Bryson is another “probably” for Augusta.

Brooks Koepka has come close at Augusta. He’s a multiple major champion and could surprise everyone. He’s not as visible as most top players, but he surely has the game and the mentality to win at the biggest stages. Brooks winning would be a “surprise, but not a shocker.”

Jon Rahm’s move to LIV has impacted his game. Once consistently at the top, he’s struggled to make a significant impact, even with his participation in major tournaments.

He’s a past champion, so that’s a factor. But unless he suddenly regains the hunger and the competitive juices start to flow, I don’t think he will get his second green jacket this year.

Collin Morikawa is a hell of an iron player. His two majors prove he can win anywhere, against anyone. His game seems to be returning to form, with some good finishes early in the year. If he peaks in mid-April, he could win it. Collin is a “maybe.”

Xander Schauffele is my actual favorite to win The Masters this year. He won two majors last year and has a good record in majors and around Augusta National. With the pressure of being “the best player without a major” now off his back, a more relaxed and confident Xander can shoot the lights out at Augusta. In my book, Xander is a “likely.”

There we go. Wasn’t that fun? Those are my favorites for 2025’s first major. We’ve got quite a few weeks till Masters week, but I’d bet one of the players above wins it. Who’s your pick for The Masters?