Scottie Scheffler aims to defend his Masters title with strong preparation

In the United States, the upcoming Masters tournament at Augusta National is generating significant excitement, especially surrounding the defending champion, Scottie Scheffler. On April 10, 2025, Scheffler will attempt to secure his third Masters title in four years, positioning himself among golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods, who are the only players to have won back-to-back championships. Despite facing a challenging start to the season due to a hand injury that required surgery, Scheffler expressed confidence in his preparation. His performance in the Houston Open concluded with a remarkable second-place finish, indicating that he is finding his form again ahead of this coveted event. As the golf world turns its attention to Augusta, Rory McIlroy is also a key competitor, eager to achieve a career grand slam. McIlroy's recent victory at the Players Championship has revitalized his quest, making the upcoming tournament even more competitive. Several other prominent players, such as Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, and Collin Morikawa, are also expected to pose a challenge for the title. The anticipated increase in prize money for the tournament, climbing from $18 million to a total purse of $20 million, adds to the stakes for the elite field of 95 players. Scottie Scheffler's personal journey this season has been marked by hurdles following his surgery during a critical preparation period. Despite the frustration of finishing 20th in the Players Championship, reflected in his performances, he has emphasized that he feels fully prepared for the upcoming tournament. His comments highlight that while his status as a defending champion doesn't provide a tangible advantage, his prior experience at Augusta could aid his performance if challenges arise during the tournament. This mindset emphasizes the unpredictability of golf, where each player's starting score is reset to even par at the beginning. As the event draws near, the weather conditions at Augusta, characterized by high pollen levels, have also been noted by Scheffler, who is dealing with allergic reactions. Nonetheless, he maintains a positive outlook, eager to make a strong start to the tournament, which begins with his first tee shot on Thursday, April 10. The outcome of the Masters will inevitably impact both the players and their careers, particularly if Scheffler manages to become the fourth player ever to win consecutive Masters titles. With the coverage set to commence at 2 PM BST on the tournament's opening days, golf fans will be eagerly watching to see if Scheffler retains his crown.