The 35-year-old Northern Irishman returns to Augusta as one of the favourites to win the Green Jacket this weekend. McIlroy, who has earned seven top-10 finishes in his previous 16 Masters appearances, has already claimed two tournament wins in 2025. A dominant final round led to a two-shot victory at Pebble Beach in February, before he mentally reset to win The Players Championship at Sawgrass in a play-off showdown on the Monday. It is the first time he has won two PGA Tour events before heading to Augusta National. "I played great at Pebble Beach. Had to do it the hard way at Sawgrass, coming back on the Monday and playing in tough conditions," McIlroy told BBC Sport NI.

Most eyes are going to be on the top two golfers in the world: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. A Sunday duel between Scheffler and McIlroy at Augusta National Golf Club would be fantastic for a sport that has been consumed by money and division the past few years. Scheffler has been the most elite player in men's golf for much of the past three years. He'll attempt to join Jack Nicklaus (1963, 1965 and 1966) as the only golfers to win the Masters three times in a four-year span. He can become only the fourth golfer to win a green jacket in back-to-back years, joining Nicklaus, Nick Faldo (1989-90) and Tiger Woods (2001-02).

There are 95 golfers set to tee off amidst Augusta National's blooming azaleas, including big names like defending champion, Scottie Scheffler and Rory Mcllroy. One notable absence is Tiger Woods, who underwent surgery in March for a torn Achilles tendon. Round 1 of the Masters will stream on Masters.com, as well as ESPN. Friday’s round is also available to watch on ESPN. Hulu + Live TV members get ESPN as part of their streaming plan, as well as Sling TV members. On Saturday and Sunday, CBS takes over streaming the tournament, which viewers can access on Paramount+ starting at noon. To witness the action unfold along the pivotal Amen Corner and find out who wins the next iconic green jacket, start watching at 7:30 on Thursday morning.