Scottie Scheffler Defends Masters Title Thursday at Augusta

Scottie Scheffler is set to defend his Masters title starting Thursday, teeing off alongside Justin Thomas and amateur Jose Luis Ballester. Despite recovering from a hand injury and battling congestion due to weather conditions, Scheffler feels well-prepared for the challenge at Augusta National, emphasizing his readiness as he eyes a repeat of his 2022 victory. Last season, he enjoyed an impressive performance with seven titles, though he has yet to secure a win in 2025. As the world number one, Scheffler aims to become only the fourth player to repeat as Masters champion. The tournament will feature notable players like Rory McIlroy, who is pursuing a career Grand Slam, and other major champions like Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm. The weather forecast for the opening day indicates a chance of showers, adding an extra layer of complexity to the competition.