Masters Preview: Can Scheffler Regain Form and Will an Englishman Claim Victory at Augusta?

As the golfing world prepares for the opening major of the year, Rory McIlroy is set to defend his title at The Masters, while Scottie Scheffler aims to bounce back from a recent dip in form. Meanwhile, a strong contingent of English players, including Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick, will be looking to challenge for victory at Augusta National. McIlroy, who has a lifetime exemption at The Masters after his dramatic playoff win last year, will be hosting the Champions Dinner for the first time and is relishing the experience. However, form and fitness have been question marks for the Northern Irishman heading into the tournament, having withdrawn mid-event at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and failed to contend at The Players. Scheffler, on the other hand, has been struggling with his iron play, a key attribute around Augusta National, and has failed to post a top-10 finish in his last three PGA Tour appearances. Despite this, the world No 1 remains the pre-tournament favourite to win his fifth major in as many seasons. This year's edition of The Masters marks the 10th anniversary of Danny Willett's victory, and an eight-strong contingent of Englishmen will be looking to follow in his footsteps. Rose, who is already a winner on the PGA Tour this season, has an impressive record at Augusta National and will be looking to go one better than last year's runner-up finish. Other English players, including Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Aaron Rai, will also be looking to make an impact at the tournament. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau arrives at Augusta National with back-to-back wins in his last two LIV Golf League starts and believes his game is in a 'great place' to challenge for a maiden Masters win. Jon Rahm, who is among 10 players from the LIV Golf League involved this week, is also feeling confident of contending for a third major title. With a world-class line-up gathered for the opening major of the year, excitement is building, and this year's champion seems harder to predict than ever.