Masters: Scheffler, McIlroy, DeChambeau lead star-studded field
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and defending champion Rory McIlroy lead the field at the 90th Masters Tournament, which began Thursday at Augusta National.
- McIlroy, who won the Masters last year to complete the career grand slam, feels relaxed and pressure-free for the first time in over a decade, aiming to defend his title despite the tournament’s history of few back-to-back winners.
- Scheffler, the current world No. 1 and two-time Masters champion (2022, 2024), is seeking his third green jacket while feeling well-rested after a break and the recent birth of his second son.
- DeChambeau, coming off two LIV Tour wins, is confident and motivated to capture his first Masters title after a disappointing finish last year, viewing it as a valuable learning experience.
- Notably absent from this year's Masters are Tiger Woods, who is on indefinite leave following a DUI charge and crash, and Phil Mickelson, who is dealing with a family health issue, marking the first time since 1994 neither has played.
