McIlroy, Scheffler top 91‑player Masters field
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- Rory McIlroy will drive down Magnolia Lane for the first time as a Masters champion, gaining perks like a dedicated parking space, locker room, and hosting the Tuesday dinner.
- Scottie Scheffler, world No. 1, is the betting favorite despite a recent top‑10 drought; he ranks 80th in strokes‑gained: approach, has 101‑under in majors (best all‑time) and would become only the ninth player to win three green jackets.
- Bryson DeChambeau entered the Masters after winning back‑to‑back LIV Golf events, having finished tied for fifth at 7‑under last year and staying inside the top‑10 after each round in the past two Masters.
- Ludvig Aberg – the 2024 Masters runner‑up and solo seventh‑place finisher last year – must rebound from a late‑round collapse at the Players where he squandered a three‑stroke lead.
- Jon Rahm, 2023 Masters champion, added a third LIV Golf win in Hong Kong and has recorded five top‑10 finishes in his last nine Masters, with the most rounds in the 60s of any player.
- The Masters field comprises 91 golfers, ranging from clear favorites like Scheffler and McIlroy to tier‑II contenders such as Matt Fitzpatrick and Jordan Spieth.
Why it matters: Scheffler’s favorite status and McIlroy’s champion perks shift betting markets, while DeChambeau’s LIV success and Aberg’s recent collapse illustrate how form and league affiliation now dictate Masters chances, directly impacting sponsors, broadcasters, and the players’ earnings. The 91‑player lineup also expands viewership and advertising revenue as fans follow both established stars and emerging LIV competitors.
