Masters Countdown: McIlroy’s Momentum Builds Amidst Scheffler’s Recovery

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the Masters Tournament approaches, Rory McIlroy appears poised to secure his first major title since 2014. The 2025 PGA Tour season has seen him achieve two wins in five starts, creating a buzz about his potential at Augusta National.

The PGA Tour’s Florida Swing, which recently concluded, showcased McIlroy’s impressive form. He kicked off the season with a victory at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and later triumphed at the Players Championship, where he edged out J.J. Spaun in a playoff.

“Start, as you mean to go on,” McIlroy said to his caddie, Harry Diamond, while walking down the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach. He has since emphasized a new approach to course management, which helped him avoid costly mistakes.

Statistically, McIlroy has diversified his game this season. He relies less on his driver, with only 40 percent of his 2.3 strokes gained per round coming off the tee—his lowest career percentage. Instead, he has improved his approach play, ranking first in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, 16th in approach, and 10th in putting.

“I’ve worked really hard. I feel like I’m a way more complete player than I was a few years ago,” McIlroy stated after winning at TPC Sawgrass. “I can flight my ball better in the wind. My ability to shape shots both ways is a huge improvement.”

Meanwhile, defending champion Scottie Scheffler is not yet at the top of his game. After suffering a hand injury in February, Scheffler has demonstrated resilience with three top-11 finishes, including a T3 at the Genesis Invitational. However, his frustration was apparent at TPC Sawgrass as a missed putt affected his performance during the third round.

“I have absolutely no pain in the hand. But getting the full total range of motion is a different story,” Scheffler noted during a pre-Masters call, indicating that he is still working on regaining strength and consistency post-injury.

Statistically, Scheffler ranks sixth in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee but falters elsewhere, placing 41st in Strokes Gained: Around the Greens and 86th in Strokes Gained: Putting. He aims to refine his short game at this week’s Texas Children’s Houston Open ahead of the Masters.

Xander Schauffele, ranked third in the world, has struggled since returning from injury. After a month off due to a rib issue, Schauffele worked diligently to regain his former form. Despite finishing T12 at the Valspar Championship, he acknowledged the challenges he faces.

“I think I feel a little bit better,” Schauffele reflected. “It’s been a lot of adjustments and the focus has often gone back to the drawing board.”

Jordan Spieth, also striving for consistency after wrist surgery, has shown glimpses of his prior success but hasn’t yet put together a complete performance this season. With only a tie for 28th at the Valspar Championship, he seeks improvement ahead of Augusta.

As the Masters draw near, other notable players, including Ludvig Aberg and Collin Morikawa, are positioning themselves as strong contenders. Aberg recently won the Genesis Invitational, while Morikawa boasts two runner-up finishes this season, signaling a potential breakout moment at Augusta.

“It’s a final chance for players to sharpen their games before the Masters,” an industry insider noted about the upcoming Texas Open. “Expect to see many competing hard for that last shot of momentum.”

The Texas Open will be held at the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio from April 3-6, with a purse of $9.5 million and a chance for players to secure vital FedEx Cup points as they head into the first major of the year.