The Masters

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April 10-13 2025

The Masters is played at Augusta National, a 7,545-yard par-72 course known for its fast bentgrass greens, strategic layout, and emphasis on second shots and short game. Key statistical categories to prioritize include:

Strokes Gained: Approach (SG: APP): Iron play is critical at Augusta, where precise approach shots set up birdie opportunities.
Strokes Gained: Around the Green (SG: ARG): The tricky, elevated greens demand a strong scrambling game.
Par-5 Scoring: The four par-5s (holes 2, 8, 13, and 15) are where players rack up birdies or better—target players who excel here.
Driving Distance: While accuracy matters less due to minimal rough, length off the tee can provide an edge on the longer par-5s.
Masters History: Course experience often correlates with success, as Augusta rewards players familiar with its nuances.

FanTeam’s scoring system rewards birdies, eagles, and finishing position, so prioritize players with boom potential over consistency

The Weather

(Long Range Forecast at time of writing, 6th April)

Thursday, April 10 (Round 1):

Temperature: High around 78-80°F (26-27°C), low near 55°F (13°C).
Conditions: Mostly cloudy with a 50-60% chance of rain, potentially 0.1-0.3 inches. Some forecasts suggest showers could linger from a system arriving earlier in the week (e.g., storms noted for Sunday, April 6). Winds around 7-10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph possible.
Impact: A softer course is likely if rain hits, favoring long hitters and strong approach players. Play could see minor delays if showers persist.

Friday, April 11 (Round 2):

Temperature: High of 75-79°F (24-26°C), low around 50-52°F (10-11°C).
Conditions: Cloudy with a 60-65% chance of rain, possibly 0.3-0.5 inches, and a slight (10-15%) chance of thunderstorms. Winds at 8-12 mph, gusts up to 17 mph.
Impact: Wet conditions could slow greens and challenge players’ short games. Augusta’s SubAir system will help dry things out, but expect a higher cut line if rain disrupts play.

The Course

As the azaleas bloom and the dogwoods sway, Augusta National Golf Club prepares to host the 89th Masters Tournament, kicking off on April 10, 2025. This year’s event promises high drama with a field of 96 players—the largest in a decade—vying for the coveted green jacket. Yet, the spotlight shines brightest on three titans of the game: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele, each chasing history in their own right. Here’s a look at their prospects and the storylines that could define this year’s Masters.

Scottie Scheffler: Can He Retain the Green Jacket?

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives at Augusta as the defending champion, fresh off a 2024 season that drew comparisons to Tiger Woods in his prime. With two Masters titles already (2022 and 2024), Scheffler aims to join an elite trio—Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Nick Faldo—as the only players to win back-to-back Masters. His form is formidable: a runner-up finish at the Houston Open in his final tune-up showcased rounds of 62 and 63, signaling a return to peak performance after a hand injury sidelined him over the winter.

Scheffler’s Augusta record is impeccable—five starts, no finish worse than 19th—but history weighs against defending champions. Recent titleholders like Jon Rahm (45th in 2024) and Dustin Johnson (missed cut in 2021) struggled to repeat, with Woods’ 2001-02 feat standing as the last successful defense. Scheffler’s putting, famously shaky in his 2022 four-putt finish, remains the X-factor on Augusta’s slick greens. If the flatstick cooperates, Scheffler could cement his legacy with a third green jacket in four years.

Rory McIlroy: The Career Grand Slam on the Line

For Rory McIlroy, the Masters is the missing piece of a puzzle that’s haunted him for a decade. The Northern Irishman, ranked No. 2 in the world, enters his 17th Masters and 11th attempt at completing the career grand slam—a feat that would place him alongside Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Nicklaus, and Woods. McIlroy’s 2025 season has been electric, with victories at Pebble Beach and The Players Championship, marking the first time he’s arrived at Augusta with two wins under his belt.

His Augusta history is a rollercoaster: a runner-up finish in 2022, six top-10s in his last 10 starts, but also missed cuts in two of his past four appearances, including a T22 in 2024. McIlroy’s length off the tee and improved patience—honed by watching Scheffler’s methodical approach—make him a formidable contender. Analysts like Brandel Chamblee call it “his to win or lose,” citing a mental edge bolstered by coach Bob Rotella and a field where rivals like Scheffler and Schauffele aren’t at their peak. Yet, the back-nine pressure on Sunday could test whether McIlroy can finally shed the Augusta albatross and don the green jacket.

Xander Schauffele: A Third Major in a Row?

Xander Schauffele’s 2024 was a breakout year, with wins at the PGA Championship and The Open Championship erasing his “best without a major” label. Now, he eyes a rare achievement: three consecutive major victories. At Augusta, Schauffele’s record is solid—nine starts, a runner-up in 2019, and a T6 in 2024—but a rib injury in January slowed his 2025 momentum, leaving him without a top-10 in three starts since returning.

Schauffele’s prospects hinge on regaining the form that saw him make the cut in his last 60 PGA Tour events. His ball-striking remains elite, but Augusta demands precision and resilience, qualities tested by his recent layoff. A win would bring him one step from the grand slam, with only the U.S. Open left to conquer. Schauffele’s quiet determination and major pedigree make him a dark horse capable of stealing the show.

Past Masters: Triumphs and Meltdowns

Augusta’s history is littered with legends and heartbreak, and recent winners like Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, and Jon Rahm have left indelible marks. Woods’ 2019 victory—his fifth green jacket—stunned the world, a comeback for the ages 14 years after his fourth title in 2005. Watson, with wins in 2012 and 2014, brought flair and creativity, his hook shots around Amen Corner still echoing in Masters lore. Rahm’s 2023 triumph showcased relentless power, though his 45th-place finish in 2024 as defending champ underscored Augusta’s fickleness.

The course has also been a stage for dramatic collapses. Jordan Spieth’s 2016 meltdown remains iconic—leading by five with nine holes to play, he quadrupled the 12th after two balls in Rae’s Creek, handing the jacket to Danny Willett. McIlroy’s scars run deeper: his 2011 unraveling, a four-shot lead erased with a triple-bogey 10th and a back-nine 43, still haunts him. These moments remind us that Augusta’s beauty hides a beast, ready to humble even the greatest.

The Field and Beyond

Beyond the big three, contenders abound. Ludvig Aberg, last year’s runner-up, brings youthful swagger, while Rahm and Collin Morikawa lurk with proven major chops. Justin Thomas and Brooks Koepka could also surge, though form and fitness questions linger. The Masters’ largest field in a decade adds unpredictability—could a longshot like Joaquin Niemann or an international star like Tommy Fleetwood crash the party?

Weather forecasts hint at a wet Thursday softening Augusta’s defenses, but firm conditions could return by the weekend, favoring the bombers like McIlroy and Scheffler. As CBS marks its 70th year of coverage, the stage is set for a classic. Will Scheffler defy history? Can McIlroy seize his moment? Might Schauffele shock the world? Tune in April 10-13 to find out—because at Augusta, legends are made, and dreams are tested.

Fanteam Key Targets by Price Tier

High Tier (19.0+)

These are the studs with proven Augusta pedigrees and massive upside. Pick one or two to anchor your lineup:

Scottie Scheffler (24.8): The most expensive player and likely the chalkiest due to his 2022 Masters win and elite iron play (top SG: Approach). His par-5 dominance makes him a GPP must if you can afford him, but high ownership could push you to fade him in some lineups.
Ludvig Åberg (21.6): A rising star with length off the tee and strong approach stats. His debut last year showed promise, and at this price, he might be less owned than Scheffler, McIlroy, or Rahm, offering differentiation with similar upside.
Rory McIlroy (22.2): A perennial Masters contender with the distance and par-5 scoring to go low. His Augusta inconsistency might lower ownership, making him a GPP pivot if he finally breaks through.
Jon Rahm (20.8): The 2023 champ has the all-around game for Augusta. Slightly cheaper than Scheffler and McIlroy, he’s a great option if you expect him to repeat his par-5 and green-in-regulation prowess.
Collin Morikawa (21.0): Elite iron play (SG: Approach leader) and a top-5 Masters finish in 2021. A safer floor with birdie potential, though less volatile than DeChambeau or Koepka.

Pick: Morikawa (21.0) for upside and lower ownership over Scheffler.

Mid Tier (15.0-18.9)

This range offers value with players who can contend, ideal for GPP differentiation:

Hideki Matsuyama (19.0): The 2021 Masters winner knows Augusta inside out. His short game and par-5 scoring make him a sneaky GPP play if ownership dips due to inconsistent recent form.
Bryson DeChambeau (19.8): A boom-or-bust pick with massive distance and a top-10 Masters history (2016). Perfect for GPPs if his irons and putter click—he could post a monster score.
Xander Schauffele (19.4): Consistent major performer with strong approach play and a top-5 Masters finish (2019). Slightly underpriced for his ceiling.
Brooks Koepka (18.8): A major beast with multiple top-5s at Augusta. His price is a bargain if he’s healthy and motivated post-LIV season.
Jordan Spieth (18.0): The 2015 champ has erratic form, but his Augusta magic (multiple top-3s) makes him a GPP dart with low ownership potential.
Min Woo Lee ($17.0): A long hitter with par-5 upside. His flair and improving short game could lead to a breakout, and this price screams value for his ceiling.
Corey Conners ($15.8): Elite ball-striker (SG: Approach) at a discount. Less birdie potential than others, but a top-20 finish is in play, freeing up salary.

Picks: DeChambeau (19.8) for volatility and Lee (17.0) for value/upside.

Value Tier (13.0-14.9)

These are the differentiators—players with specific skills or Augusta history to spike a big week:

Justin Rose (14.4): A Masters veteran with two runner-up finishes (2015, 2017). His experience and short game make him a GPP gem at this price.
Adam Scott (14.4): The 2013 champ still has the length and iron play to contend. Low ownership and a top-10 ceiling make him a steal.
Chris Kirk (13.2): Strong approach player with a sneaky top-20 upside. A cheap way to fit in studs while still getting Augusta viability.
Patrick Reed (14.6): The 2018 winner thrives at Augusta with his short game and par-5 scoring. His price is a bargain for his ceiling, though ownership might creep up.
Cameron Young (14.0): Big hitter with top-10 potential if his putter cooperates. A volatile GPP play at a low cost.

Picks: Rose (14.4) for experience and Kirk (13.2) for value.

Deep Value/Scrubs (<13.0)

Risky but high-reward options to round out lineups:

Nick Taylor (12.8): Solid all-around game with recent PGA wins. A long shot to contend, but a top-30 finish could pay off.
Jhonattan Vegas (12.6): Long off the tee and capable of a hot week. Minimal Masters history, but his price leaves room for studs.
Matthieu Pavon (12.8): Emerging talent with length and upside. A debutant risk worth taking in large-field.

Pick: Taylor (12.8) for a balanced floor/ceiling combo.

Sample Lineup

100.0 price cap:

Colin Morikawa (21.0)
Bryson DeChambeau (19.8)
Min Woo Lee (17.0)
Justin Rose (14.4)
Chris Kirk (13.2)
Nick Taylor (12.8)
Total: 98.2 (leaves 1.8M wiggle room)

Why This Works

Upside: Morikawa, DeChambeau, and Lee can dominate par-5s and post huge scores.
Differentiation: Rose, Kirk, and Taylor are likely lower-owned than Scheffler/McIlroy/Rahm stacks.
Augusta Fit: All have strengths in approach, scrambling, or course history.

This lineup maximizes ceiling while staying unique—perfect for FanTeam GPPs. Good luck!