2025 Masters Picks and Predictions: Expert Favorites, Sleepers, and Surprises at Augusta National
The 89th Masters Tournament is upon us, and Augusta National is once again set to host the biggest names in golf for a shot at the coveted green jacket. With a 95-player field that includes the world’s top-ranked stars, major champions, rising talents, and seasoned veterans, anticipation is sky-high as the first major of the year tees off.
Though Tiger Woods will miss the event due to a ruptured Achilles, the storyline remains rich: Can Scottie Scheffler defend his title? Will Rory McIlroy finally complete the career Grand Slam? Could a LIV Golf player crash the PGA Tour party? CBS Sports’ golf experts have weighed in with their predictions, and here’s what they’re seeing.
Expert Picks to Win the 2025 Masters
Patrick McDonald’s Pick: Robert MacIntyre (60-1)
Looking for value? MacIntyre is red-hot with four top-11 finishes in his last five starts and quietly ranks among the best in tee-to-green metrics. His consistency and composure make him a real sleeper-turned-contender.
Robby Kalland’s Pick: Collin Morikawa (18-1)
Morikawa’s brilliant ball-striking and solid Augusta history make him a prime pick. He hasn’t closed out a win yet this year, but if his putter heats up, he could walk away with his third major — and put himself on Grand Slam watch.
Top Sleepers to Watch
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Patrick Reed (90-1): The 2018 champion has surged with three top-10s in his last four starts, including a strong showing at LIV Golf Doral. His short game remains elite, and his Augusta pedigree can’t be ignored.
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Cameron Smith (60-1): With five top-10s in seven Masters appearances, the Aussie is always in the mix. He’s been quiet on the LIV circuit but knows how to peak when it counts.
Top 10 Locks
Scottie Scheffler
No surprise here. The defending champ has finished inside the top 10 in 12 of his last 18 majors. Even after a slower start to 2025, he remains the steadiest force in the field.
Stars Who Won’t Win
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Ludvig Åberg: Last year’s runner-up is a fan favorite, but his form has dipped since the West Coast Swing. Poor short-game stats raise red flags.
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Bryson DeChambeau: The scientific approach doesn’t always jive with Augusta’s artistry. He’s had flashes but lacks the consistency to win here.
Key Matchups
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Scheffler vs. McIlroy: McIlroy may have the better start to 2025, but Scheffler’s comfort at Augusta gives him the edge. Still, Rory finishing second wouldn’t surprise anyone — especially Rory fans.
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Åberg vs. Niemann: Give the nod to Åberg for his Augusta poise. Niemann has the tools but hasn’t quite put it all together on a major stage.
Surprise Predictions
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More LIV players in contention: With Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Reed, Garcia, and others in solid form, don’t be shocked if LIV players populate the leaderboard’s top tier.
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First Round Leader: Sergio Garcia: The 2017 champ has looked rejuvenated this year and could come out hot on Thursday.
Predicted Stats
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Lowest Round: 65 (-7)
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Winning Score: 275 (-13)
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Winner’s Final Round: 68–69 (-3 to -4)
How to Watch the 2025 Masters
CBS Sports offers comprehensive coverage of the Masters starting Thursday. Tune in to Masters Live on Paramount+, CBSSports.com, and the CBS Sports app for live streams of Featured Groups, Amen Corner, and key holes. Full broadcast coverage runs Saturday and Sunday from 12–2 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and 2–7 p.m. ET on CBS.
The green jacket awaits — and the path to golf immortality begins Thursday at Augusta.
