Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler: Who Can Challenge Them for the Masters Title?

The Masters is set to kick off, with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy looking to build on their recent successes at Augusta National. However, the question remains: who can stop them from claiming another major victory? The world's top two have dominated the Masters in recent years, with Scheffler winning in 2022 and 2024, and McIlroy completing the career Grand Slam last year. Despite Scheffler's recent struggles, finishing outside the top 10 in his last three PGA Tour starts, he remains the pre-tournament favorite to claim his fifth major title in as many years. McIlroy, on the other hand, is bidding to become the first player since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back Masters titles. But who from outside the world's top two could challenge for victory this week? Ahead of the opening major of the year, Sky Sports Golf pundits have shared their predictions for the winner and an under-the-radar contender. Only two Englishmen have ever won the Masters, with this year's edition marking the 10th anniversary of Danny Willett's surprise victory in 2016 and the 30th anniversary of Sir Nick Faldo's third and final triumph at Augusta National. The English contingent in this week's field includes Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Tommy Fleetwood, all of whom have shown promising form this season. Sky Sports' Nick Dougherty predicts Justin Rose will win, citing his form this season and his ability to compete against the best players. Andrew Coltart, on the other hand, believes Matt Fitzpatrick is a strong contender, given his recent win and his temperament and patience. Cameron Young is also looking to join Scheffler and McIlroy in following victory at The Players with a win at The Masters, having claimed a one-shot victory over Fitzpatrick at the PGA Tour's flagship event last month. Other contenders include Ludvig Åberg, Bryson DeChambeau, and Bob MacIntyre, all of whom have shown promising form this year. With wall-to-wall coverage from the tournament beginning at 2 pm on Thursday, fans can catch all the action on Sky Sports Golf.