In years past, I have offered my prediction for the winner of the Masters. Starting tomorrow, the field of 95 players, including the 12 LIV Golf players, will tee it up to try and claim the green jacket. This is my favourite Major in professional because the whole mystic of Augusta captivates my attention. This year I am not 100% that the scores will follow the traditional unfolding of the leaderboard. I have a few thoughts, but I would not bet the bank of my predictions.

Normally, a player starts out of the gate quick and shoots a relatively low number. Then, they spend the next few days trying to play conservative golf which rarely works. Additionally, some up and coming player will flash at the top of the leaderboard only to crash on the next few holes. Augusta National is no picnic for golfers. It offers opportunities to score well, but more chances to shoot a high score. Knowing this, what do you think will happen this year? Here are my thoughts.

First, the average winning score over the past 88 Masters events is minus 9. I predict that this year’s low score will be minus 12. Yes, three strokes better. I have zero scientific data to support my decision, however given the three players I a choosing to win, this score is definitely possible. At this time, Scheffler, McIlroy and Morikawa are the odds on favourites to win the Masters. I am good with two of them, but not the third.

Finishing third, I pick Colin Morikawa. Morikawa always plays well at the Masters. I think this year he will again, but not play well enough to win the green jacket. He will make a late charge on Sunday to increase the excitement of first Major in 2025, but will have to settle for third place.

Finishing second, I pick Russel Henley. Wait, What? “Russell Henley is making his ninth Masters start. He has made the cut in each of his past seven starts at Augusta National and finished T-4 in 2023.” (Masters) Henley is playing very well in 2025 and I feel he will translate his great play into a second place finish. I realize that this is a long shot, however he is due and it is time for him to make some magic.

The winner of the 2025 Masters will be Scottie Scheffler. I know that he is one of the odds on favourites to win, but I am picking him anyway. If Scheffler wins this year, he will be the first player since Tiger Woods (2001 – 2002) to win back to back green jackets. There is one aspect of Scheffler’s game that has to show up and that is his putting. If his short stroke shows up, he will be unbeatable.

Right now you are saying, wait! Where is Rory? Well, I am not confident he will play his best this weekend. Do not get me wrong, if he wins – I will be very happy for him. Unfortunately, he has an elbow injury. This will be enough to tip the scales against him winning another green jacket. I wish it was not so, but that is my view on Rory McIlroy winning the Masters this year.

My dark horse for this year’s Masters will be Corry Conners. Of course it is because he is Canadian. Well, that might have a bit to do with it, but mostly he is an amazing ball striker. I think if his putting heats up for four rounds, he might surprise the entire field. However, this is a long shot at best, but one I am willing to back.

Well, there you go. My predictions for the 2025 Masters. What do you think? Who do you have wearing the green jacket on Sunday?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!