Augusta National is waiting for history to happen at the 2025 Masters, and we already have two top contenders! Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are vying not only for the iconic green jacket but also to join two different elusive lists. We will take a look at what those are, however, something interesting is going on. In this Scottie Scheffler vs. Rory McIlroy argument, the former has received huge support from a legend despite his moderate form of run this year.
Three golfing legends — Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson — are present at Augusta National for this year’s Masters. The three also hit the ceremonial tee shot ahead of the first round. Recently, they sat down for a press conference at Augusta National. They were posed a very interesting question: Is there someone they believe could dominate Augusta National this year?
“The Golden Bear” replied: “Oh, I think that Scottie has got the best chance. Simply because to dominate the game, you’ve got to have a history of winning and knowing you can win. Winning and success breeds winning and success. I think Rory was there for a while, and then he lost his way for 10 years as far as winning majors, or 11 years, I guess. But I think that — I look at who is out there and what’s out there right now, I think Scottie has got the best chance of doing what you’re asking about.”
Nicklaus isn’t wrong in his assessment. Rory McIlroy has a solid but inconsistent history at Augusta. For instance, he finished in the top 10 in seven of nine starts from 2014 to 2022, including a runner-up finish in 2022. However, since 2014, he has missed cuts twice (2010, 2023). Additionally, it’s been 11 years since his last major win (2014 PGA Championship), and his fans are still waiting. Scottie Scheffler, on the other hand, with two wins at Augusta National (2022, 2024), knows the course well. For instance, he finished in the top 20 in all five of his Masters appearances. Additionally, for Scheffler, the only drawback in 2025 is a lack of wins. Rory McIlroy has two wins before the Masters for the first time in his career (AT&T and The PLAYERS).
Despite their different histories, both golfers aim for exclusive achievements. Defending his Masters title would place Scheffler among back-to-back winners like Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods. Meanwhile, McIlroy is pursuing the elusive career Grand Slam, a feat accomplished by only five golfers: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. So, both might be one of the most anticipated players in the Masters, however, Scheffler might have more favour because of his recent past wins at Augusts. However, this isn’t the first time Scottie Scheffler has won over someone’s vote. Yesterday, Scheffler received support from Brandel Chamblee during a similar discussion. With so many favoring Scheffler despite his lack of wins this year, let’s take a brief look at what makes him so good for the Masters.
What makes Scottie Scheffler so good at Augusta National?
Scottie Scheffler’s success at Augusta can be largely attributed to his exceptional iron game. According to Data Golf’s strokes gained approach rankings, he is the best iron player in the world. Consequently, Scheffler leads in greens in regulation, strokes gained approach, and strokes gained tee to green over the last three Masters.
62 feet for birdie. Scheffler reaches two under par for the Tournament. #themasters pic.twitter.com/4McwujgliJ
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 10, 2025
His skill lies not just in striking the ball but also in where his approach shots land. Scheffler often hits baby draws to pins on right-to-left slopes, allowing the ball to trickle toward the cup, or low cuts to steep pins, leaving uphill putts for easier birdie chances. He consistently chooses conservative targets at Augusta National. That matters, of course, since the margin for error is slim. Additionally, Scheffler selects shot shapes that react optimally to the greens.
For instance, during the 2024 Masters, Scheffler entered the Yellow Jasmine (hole 8) tee tied with Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, and Ludvig Aberg. However, he went five under in his last 11 holes while the others faltered. How did that come about? Scheffler won by firing at pins when possible and playing it safe when necessary. For instance, on Carolina Cherry (hole 9), he spun an iron back to within 3 inches for a tap-in birdie, while Morikawa struggled with a double bogey after a wayward drive. Well, what else?
Scheffler made a crucial birdie on Camellia (hole 10) by using the green’s slope to his advantage. Following that, he avoided disaster on White Dogwood (hole 11), unlike Aberg and Morikawa, who both made double bogeys. On the par-3 Golden Bell (hole 12), Scheffler hit a pin-high shot while Homa found trouble, adding another double to his score. After birdieing the par-5 Azalea (hole 13), Scheffler was in control. Consequently, he finished with a back-nine 33 to win his second Masters by four strokes. Will we see the same gameplay this year? Only Scottie Scheffler can answer that. However, many patrons will hope to see Jack Nicklaus’s answer come true!
The post ‘He Lost His Way’: Rory McIlroy Finds No Love From Jack Nicklaus as Scottie Scheffler Takes Precedence appeared first on EssentiallySports.
