04/09/26 01:28:00
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04/09 13:27 CDT Scheffler, McIlroy, DeChambeau lead star-studded field at
Masters
Scheffler, McIlroy, DeChambeau lead star-studded field at Masters
By STEVE REED
AP Sports Writer
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) --- Scottie Scheffler is feeling rested. Bryson DeChambeau
confident. And defending champion Rory McIlroy, well, he's pressure-free at the
Masters for the first time in more than a decade.
The trio lead a star-studded field vying for the green jacket at the 90th
Masters, which began Thursday with the first tee time at 7:40 a.m. EDT amid the
azaleas and dogwoods at Augusta National.
"It's been an amazing 12 months, bringing this thing all around the world, the
excitement on people's faces when they see it --- and the excitement that I
still get putting it on," McIlroy said of his green jacket, which he earned
last April following a dramatic playoff win over Justin Rose that allowed him
to become the sixth golfer to win the career grand slam.
Instead of sweating out another year of answering questions about when --- or
even if --- he'd ever complete golf's career grand slam, McIlroy spent a
portion of this week enjoying a round of golf with his father and reflecting on
his achievement.
He'd like to repeat, but the Masters isn't often kind to defending champions.
Only three players have won back-to-back championships, the last being Tiger
Woods nearly a quarter century ago.
McIlroy isn't allowing himself to succumb to pressure at Augusta after ending
years of heartbreak with the 2025 win.
"I feel so much more relaxed," McIlroy said. "I know that I'm going to be
coming back here for a lot of years, going to enjoy the perks that the
champions get here. It doesn't make me any less motivated to go out there and
play well and try to win the tournament."
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman, now with slight tinges of gray hair escaping
from underneath his golf cap, will have plenty of competition from the world's
best players, including Scheffler, who remains No. 1.
The Texan is seeking his third Masters championship, with the other two coming
in even-numbered years (2022 and 2024).
He remains the overall favorite per BetMGM Sportsbook, despite not having
cracked the top 10 in his last three tournaments.
Prior to that he had three top 5s to start the season, including a win at
American Express to join Jack Nicklaus and Woods as the only players with 20
PGA Tour titles and four majors before turning 30.
Like McIlroy, he hasn't played competitively since the Players Championship
nearly a month ago and he and his wife, Meredith, recently welcomed their
second son, Remy, to the world.
"I'm getting plenty of sleep," Scheffler said. "My wife's a trooper."
As for his game, Scheffler said he feels like he "is in a good spot" as he
seeks to become the ninth player to win at least three Masters.
Nobody is feeling better about their game than DeChambeau, who has won his last
two tournaments on the LIV Tour.
DeChambeau is seeking his first Masters championship after twice winning the
U.S. Open. He pulled into a tie with McIlroy for the lead in Sunday's final
round a year ago before faltering down the stretch and shooting 75 to finish
tied for fifth.
The disappointment has stuck with him.
"It was a great learning lesson," DeChambeau said.
The field is loaded with long hitters, but with a sunny, low humidity week in
the forecast, it'll likely come down to who can tame Augusta National's firm
and fast greens.
"This is the best forecast I've seen for this tournament in a while," Scheffler
said. "Definitely excited to get the week going on the greens. ... I'm excited
to see how it will play."
One thing this tournament won't have for the first time since 1994 is Woods or
Phil Mickelson.
Woods pleaded not guilty last week to a DUI charge following a rollover crash
near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida. He later issued a statement saying he
was taking an indefinite leave to seek treatment.
Mickelson is not playing the Masters for only the third time as a pro. He said
his family is navigating through a personal health matter.
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
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