This week the DP World Tour heads down Magnolia Lane for the opening Major Championship of the season - the Masters Tournament. Here are your five things to know.
Scheffler defends in search of Masters hat-trick
12 months ago, Scottie Scheffler lived up to his billing with a four-shot victory to win a second Green Jacket in three years. The World Number One drove down Magnolia Lane as a big favourite and after an opening 66 and rounds of 72 and 71 in the tougher windy conditions, he entered the final day with a one-shot advantage. A slightly shaky start meant there was a four-way tie at the top but a hat-trick of birdies from the eighth steadied the ship and after coming through Amen Corner in level par, Scheffler pulled away to sign for a 68 and finish at 11 under. Swede Ludvig Åberg carded a 69 to be the nearest challenger at seven under on his Major Championship debut, three shots clear of Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood and American duo Max Homa and Collin Morikawa. "It's been a long week, a grind of a week," said Scheffler. "The golf course was so challenging, and to be sitting here wearing this jacket again and getting to take it home is extremely special. I will go home, soak in this victory tonight."
Major season begins
We have already had plenty of excitement on the DP World Tour in 2025 but it's safe to say there is nothing in golf that matches the anticipation of the first tee-shot at Augusta National. The eyes of the sporting world will turn to Georgia to kick off a summer of golf which brings all of the world's top players together. Next month Xander Schauffele defends his US PGA Championship title before June sees Bryson DeChambeau attempt to keep hold of his U.S. Open crown. The Open Championship then sees Schauffele as the man to beat again before we have the small matter of the Ryder Cup in September. Strap yourselves in.
McIlroy brings momentum down Magnolia Lane
Ever since Rory McIlroy lifted the Claret Jug in 2014, April has brought the question of whether he can join golf's most exclusive club and complete the career Grand Slam. There is no question he has the game to compete and win anywhere but with seven top tens in his last 11 appearnces, that seems to be particularly true at Augusta. This year he arrives at the year's first Major with three wins in the last six months at three of the world's biggest events: the DP World Tour Championship, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the PLAYERS Championship. The World Number Two has seemingly never been in a better position to join Sarazen, Hogan, Nicklaus, Player and Woods in completing the set - is this the year?
Langer says goodbye
This year will be the 41st and final appearance at the Masters Tournament for the great Bernhard Langer. He missed the cut on his debut in 1982 but then made the weekend every year from 1984-2002, pulling on the Green Jacket in 1985 and 1993. He achieved his last top ten in 2014 and in 2020 became the oldest player to make the cut at 63 - a record since broken by Fred Couples. As part of Europe's Big Five alongside Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, all of whom are also Masters champions, he will forever be synonymous with Augusta National. Thankyou and goodbye Bernhard.
Debutants look to shine
Five DP World Tour members will make their debut at the Masters and none of them will be more excited than Rasmus Højgaard. The Dane and brother Nicolai will become the first set of twins to ever tee it up at the same Masters. PGA TOUR winners Aaron Rai and Thomas Detry are also making their debuts alongside Thriston Lawrence and Laurie Canter, who did not know he was in until ten days before the event via the Official World Golf Ranking. Lawrence, meanwhile, will have his dad as his caddie but he, and all his fellow debuatants, will be looking to make more than memories.
