The Masters is here! The week of drama, golf, and experiencing the top golfers at the historic Augusta National. Being the prestigious event on the schedule, the expectations for the event are always high for the top names. For this year, Scottie Scheffler has continued to be the fans’ favorite, along with Rory McIlroy, who has won two events already this year. Not just them, but there are many other golfers, too, who are in strong contention.
But the fact, Masters hasn’t always supported the favorite. According to the report of Sports Handle, since 2000, there are only four instances where the favorite has won the green jacket. The first three belong to Tiger Woods for his triumphs in 2001, 2002, and 2005, while the last goes to Scheffler for his win in 2024. The pre-tournament favorite has proven to be a graveyard for the Masters. So, for 2025, let’s take a look at the underdogs who could clinch their first green jacket away from the favorites.
5 pros that might leave the favorite worried
Corey Conners
Corey Conners, since 2015, has been impressing the golf community with his performance. Even though he has only two victories at the PGA Tour, he has been close to clinching the title multiple times. In fact, his ongoing form has led him closer to the victory thrice already. Out of the nine events participated in the PGA Tour schedule, he has secured two top-5 and two top-10 finishes.
Conners started off the season on high with his T5 at the Sentry. Following that, he was placed solo third at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Additionally, he was T6 at the Players Championship and T8 at the Valspar Championship. Interestingly, with his career wins, he has been considered as an underdog, but his performance has a totally different story to narrate. Even for the fact, Conners, out of the 34 rounds, has only 6 sub-par scores, which showcases his consistency in 2025. Notably, his performance at the majors also has been impressive as he has two top-10 and two top-20 finishes. In the Masters, it will be an interesting feat to witness him in the attempt to overshadow his tag of underdog.
Russell Henley
The University of Georgia alum was the first PGA Tour rookie to win in his debut in 12 years at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January 2023. The golfer since then has won five times at the PGA Tour. Despite the old records, his recent performance includes a victory, which is overlooked to consider him an underdog with the odds. Henley, out of his seven participations this year, has four top-10 finishes, including a victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Even to note, until now he has not missed any cut and has only two sub-par rounds recorded. With the ideal form of the golfer, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he bags his first green jacket, which he missed in 2023 with his T4 finish.
Sepp Straka
Another University of Georgia alum, Sepp Straka, has been turning heads with his performance. The golfer who has already bagged three PGA Tour titles might be the biggest worry for the favorites this season. Straka has already showcased his exceptional form this year with his victory at the American Express, two top-10 and three top-20 finishes. The 31-year-old notably performed great last year at the Masters. He was placed T16. Now, with the ongoing form, the result might get better for him.
Brian Harman
The 2023 Open Championship winner and runner-up at the US Open 2017, Brian Harman, has been on a roll with his performance. He has already bagged 6 professional wins, out of which 4 are from the PGA Tour schedule. But interestingly, his last came just before the Masters. Harman, after missing the cut at the Players Championship, took a break to get back his form.
And well, it did pay off! After the break, he won the event with rounds of 66-66-72-75 to place a strong foot before the Masters. Now, with his past result of T12 in 2021 at the Masters, his great form could turn it into a better or first Masters victory.
Michael Kim
Michael Kim turned professional in 2016 and won his first title just two years after, in 2018. However, his performance saw a steep decline in 2019, as he missed 19 cuts out of 20 events. However, after 2024, the golfer has started to show a steady redemption. But the steady process in 2025 has caught 2X speed as he has already achieved two top-5s, including a runner-up finish at the WM Phoenix Open. Even Kim has one top-10 finish and two top-15 finishes.
His decline has kept him under speculation, but now, with his comeback to the Augusta National after 5 years. The substantial form could become trouble for the fan favorites.
Will the favorite away from historical record dominate, or will the tradition of golfers shining away from favorite will continue? The answer to this will soon be revealed. But who is your pick for this edition? Share with us in the comments below.
The post The Masters 2025: Top 5 Underdogs to Watch for a Green Jacket Win at Augusta National Explored appeared first on EssentiallySports.
