AUGUSTA, Ga. — When the Masters begins on Thursday, there’ll be no shortage of top contenders.
Scottie Scheffler is seeking to become the first back-to-back champion since Tiger Woods more than 20 years ago, and only the second to win three times in four years Jack Nicklaus, of course, was the first..
Rory McIlroy is seeking to end an 11-year drought between major championships. A Masters victory would also complete the career grand slam. No one has played better golf this year on the PGA Tour, with wins at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Players Championship.
Xander Schauffele, after breaking through a year ago with PGA and Open Championship wins for the first majors of his career, could suddenly be three-fourths of the way to his own grand slam with a green jacket.
Then there’s Jon Rahm, seeking a second Masters; Collin Morikawa, pursuing a third major championship; and Ludvig Aberg, trying for his first major in his second full pro season.
Or will someone emerge seemingly out of nowhere to win the Masters and make the visit to Butler Cabin on Sunday afternoon?
Ahead of this year’s Masters, The Athletic has a big board of its top 30 contenders, as voted on by its golf staff.
Illustration: Will Tullos The Athletic; Photos: Harry How, Richard Heathcote, Jonathan Bachman Getty Images,
