Masters Week: Major Golf Stars Compete Amid High Stakes

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The 89th Masters Tournament kicks off this week at Augusta National Golf Club, but defending champion Scottie Scheffler will not be in attendance as he recovers from a ruptured left Achilles tendon.

World No. 1 Scheffler earned his first major title at the Masters last year and seeks to make history by winning three green jackets within a four-year span. Only three golfers — Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods — have accomplished this feat before, with Nicklaus winning in 1963, ’65, and ’66.

Rory McIlroy, the world’s second-ranked golfer, also presents a compelling narrative as he aims to complete the career Grand Slam by securing his first Masters title. This will be McIlroy’s 11th attempt at claiming the elusive green jacket, and he hopes to overcome a major championship drought that has lasted over a decade.

“It’s a week that we all cherish the most,” said Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters winner. “It’s the start of the major championship series. History is made there every year.”

In a significant development, the Masters will feature golfers from both the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf League in the same competition for the first time in eight months, adding to the tournament’s intensity.

As anticipation builds, the field for this year’s Masters consists of 96 golfers ranging from favorites to those simply aiming to make the cut. The combination of seasoned champions and emerging talents promises to create a memorable atmosphere at Augusta.