Scheffler paired with Justin Thomas on Thursday morning to begin Masters title defence
Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas, two American Ryder Cup stars and good friends, will kick off their quest for the Masters title by playing alongside amateur Jose Luis Ballester in the first and second rounds. The trio is scheduled to tee off on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. ET in Augusta, Ga., following a group led by Phil Mickelson and preceding one featuring Jordan Spieth.
Scheffler, the current world’s top-ranked player, is aiming for his third green jacket at this year’s Masters but has yet to secure a victory this season. Despite a slow start due to a hand injury from a broken wine glass, Scheffler has managed three top-10 finishes in six starts. His recent performance at the Houston Open, where he finished second, indicates that he is in good form heading into the tournament.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2, who has already won twice in 2025 and is eyeing a career Grand Slam, is paired with rising stars Ludvig Aberg and Akshay Bhatia for the first two rounds. Their tee time on Thursday is set for 1:12 p.m., just ahead of another prominent group led by Jon Rahm, the 2023 champion.
Xander Schauffele, another frontrunner in the tournament, will be playing alongside former Masters champion Adam Scott and Viktor Hovland. Schauffele, who claimed his first two majors last year, is looking to regain his winning form.
The weather forecast for Thursday predicts temperatures ranging from 9 C to 24 C with a 60 per cent chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms in the evening. Despite the unpredictable weather, the anticipation for the tournament is high among players and fans alike.
As the tournament approaches, golf enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the thrilling competition that the Masters Tournament promises to deliver. With top players vying for the prestigious green jacket, the stage is set for an exciting and unforgettable event at Augusta National Golf Club.
