Amidst the blooming azaleas, towering pines, and flowering dogwoods, the 92nd Masters is only days away. From Apr. 10th to 13th, the tournament returns to the noteworthy Augusta National Golf Club to create many of the game’s most iconic moments.
Junior RJ Munder is going to spectate the Masters on Friday and Saturday.
“I can’t wait to see such good golf being played. I have gone for the past three years, and it is a different experience in person. The tournament’s aura and the course make it feel like it’s not just a golf tournament. I can’t wait to go,” Munder phrased.
The Wednesday before the tournament starts, a par-three contest takes place on a separate nine-hole course, offering a peaceful atmosphere where players compete in a light-hearted event, often with family members as caddies.
Sophomore Matthew Stigliano went to see the par-three contest in person three years ago; “This is probably my favorite tradition in golf. It is heart-warming to see the players’ excitement with their families. Something special happens every year: a hole-in-one or a broken ankle from Tony Finau; the Masters always brings laughter and joy to viewers.”
The first major is always a crazy field. Drawing top names from the PGA Tour, LIV, or even some college, every player is playing for the famed green jacket.
Member of the varsity golf team and junior Reecie Hoben can’t wait to see McIlroy compete for the career grand slam at the Masters; “I think Rory [McIlroy] is going to win, no doubt. He has been hot recently, and he has placed really well in past tournaments. It is only right for him to get the career grand slam,” junior Reecie Hoben explains.
Sophomore Brooks Colton is confident in seeing Scheffler put on the green jacket for the third time; “Scottie Scheffler is a lock to win. He is just so dominant at Augusta. With the putting, the ball striking, and the shot shapes, Scottie feels at home at the Masters. I don’t see another way that anyone else could win, Scottie takes his third green jacket and goes back to back,” sophomore Brooks Colton recalled.
Junior Luc Borzillieri has always loved golf and shows off his knowledge for one particular player; “I like Bryson DeChambeau. Last year, he was pretty wild and missed many fairways, but still managed to be tied for sixth place. In the past couple of LIV events, he has been playing more consistently, and his putting has been way more lights out. His driver has also been hot and straight, which you need at Augusta. If things go his way, no one can take him down,” junior Luc Borzillieri answered.
Below, The Pharcyde highlights four possible players in line to win their first green jacket.
Justin Thomas
Thomas enters the Masters with the advantage of being a two-time major champion, highlighted by his exceptional iron play, which consistently ranks among the best on tour. His Masters’ record shows promise with six top-25 finishes in nine starts, including a personal best of fourth in 2020 and tied eighth in 2022. For Thomas to don the green jacket, he must find a reliable putting touch to complement his stellar approach shots and capitalize on his significant championship experience.
Rory McIlroy
McIlroy arrives at Augusta National with the weight of history on his shoulders as he seeks to complete the career Grand Slam. His powerful driving and impressive iron play make him a perennial threat in any major. He boasts an exceptional Masters’ record with seven top ten finishes in his last nine appearances, including runner-up in 2022. Although putting inconsistencies under pressure has been his Achilles’ heel, McIlroy’s path to victory is a strong performance overall. His ability to manage the immense fortitude is required to conquer the green jacket finally.
Joaquin Neimann
Niemann has shown encouraging improvement in recent years, following strong form on the LIV Tour with two early wins in 2025. While his significant championship experience is less extensive than some of his peers, his improved finishes at Augusta, including a tie 16th in 2023 and tied 22nd in 2024, indicate a growing comfort on the course. For Niemann to contend, he must translate his current form into consistent scoring across all four rounds at Augusta, leveraging his ball-striking prowess to create scoring opportunities.
Wyndham Clark
The reigning U.S. Open champion has proven his ability to win on the biggest stage and enters the Masters on the back of strong recent form. However, he lacks experience at Augusta, marked by missed cuts. Despite his confidence from his lone major victory, Clark will need to quickly learn and adapt to the unique demands of Augusta National if he hopes to become a surprise contender for the green jacket, which he certainly could.
UPDATE: Rory McIlroy claimed the Grand Slam achievement and is the sixth person bto e in that prestigious group. He claimed his first green jacket on the first playoff hole versus Justin Rose.
