It’s that time of year again: the chase for the Green Jacket is nearly drawing to a close. The 2025 Masters Tournament teed off Thursday 10th April at Augusta National Golf Club, and by the time Sunday wraps, one player will cement their place in golf history. So far, the leaderboard’s been fluid, with the cut claiming some big names. But several contenders have made strong early statements.
The Green Jacket Frontrunners
Two days in, and Rory McIlroy has surged to the top of the leaderboard after a stunning second-round performance. Bryson DeChambeau is still right there, while Scottie Scheffler’s stayed within striking distance. Britain’s Justin Rose—Thursday’s leader—will no doubt be looking to mount a comeback, while Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Abery, and Jason Day also remain within a few shots of the lead.
At the time of writing, the current crop of odds for the 2025 Masters put McIlroy in the winning position. But does he have what it takes to hold on to the winning spot, or will a dark horse swoop in to snatch the win? Here’s where the power rankings stand.
Rory McIlroy
Augusta has long haunted McIlroy’s otherwise complete resume. The Masters is the only major missing from his trophy case, and this year, he’s aiming to make Grand Slam history. He’s been precise and controlled over the first two rounds, hitting well and avoiding major challenges.
Can he finally claim the trophy here in 2025? He’s certainly in a better position to do so than he was back in 2022. Looking “more at ease” under pressure than at any time in recent years, according to Sky Sports Nick Doughery, his composure, paired with that stellar form, makes him the man to beat going into Sunday.
Bryson DeChambeau
Still trailing Rory McIlroy by just a stroke, DeChambeau is showcasing aggressive play with executive-level course management. Following a strong opening round, he followed up with a disciplined play on Friday, landing four first-nine birdies. In the past, he’s come into contention at Augusta for his dominant play, but this time around, insiders are praising his restrained approach.
This all-new “measured and mature” DeChambeau is actually proving to be more dangerous than ever. If he keeps it up, 2025 could well be the year that he wins.
Scottie Scheffler
The defending champion is still on our radar. He might be lurking a few strokes back, but if recent form holds, that’s exactly where he wants to be. Scottie Scheffler is World No. 1 for a reason: consistency.
After sailing through round 1, he hit some turbulence on Friday but remained ice-cold under the pressure. Given the history of defending champs at Augusta and his remarkable control, don’t be surprised if he makes a charge for the top on Sunday.
Dark Horses to Watch
Justin Rose set the pace on Thursday and finished up Friday with 71. As one of the most experienced names near the top (two runner-up finishes and five top-10s at Augusta), he’s shaping up to be a real threat going into Sunday.
Viktor Hovland, too, is still very much in the mix, having shown impressive confidence with each round. Ludivg Åberg, meanwhile, has made an impressive Masters debut. Showcasing fearless iron play, he’s not just surviving but thriving out there.
Also worth noting: Jason Day. The Aussie has quietly navigated the first rounds with smart course management and excellent scrambling, sitting only a few places back. Day could be the stealth pick who shakes things up.
Final Thoughts
All that remains now is the final 18 holes. Will McIllroy hold his nerve? Can DeChambeau keep his cool? Will Scheffler remind everyone why he’s world No. 1? Or is this the year we’ll see an outsider slip on the jacket?
