2025 Masters Preview: Scheffler’s Historic Title Defense, Model Predictions, and Surprising Longshots
AUGUSTA, Ga. — World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will begin his quest to defend the Masters title on April 10 at Augusta National Golf Club, aiming to become the first golfer since Tiger Woods (2001-02) to win back-to-back green jackets. Scheffler’s dominant four-stroke victory over Ludvig Åberg in 2024 cemented his status as golf’s premier talent, but a stacked field—including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau—threatens to derail his historic bid.
The Odds Board: Scheffler Leads, but Challenges Loom
According to the latest 2025 Masters odds, Scheffler is the +490 favorite (risk 100towin490), followed by McIlroy (+600), Åberg (+1300), Rahm (+1500), and DeChambeau (+1700). While Scheffler’s consistency makes him a logical pick, value hunters might eye longshots like Adam Scott (130-1), the 2013 champion who finished T22 last year. Before finalizing bets or DFS lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, SportsLine’s proven model—which has nailed 13 majors since 2020—offers critical insights.
SportsLine Model’s Track Record and 2025 Projections
Built by DFS expert Mike McClure, SportsLine’s proprietary model has generated nearly $9,000 in profit since the PGA Tour’s 2020 restart, correctly predicting outcomes like:
- 2024 Masters: Scheffler’s win (third straight Masters prediction).
- 2023 PGA Championship and U.S. Open: Brooks Koepka and Wyndham Clark victories.
- 2024 PGA Championship: Xander Schauffele’s breakthrough major.
After simulating the 2025 Masters 10,000 times, the model reveals shocking projections, including a fade of Rory McIlroy and three longshots poised to contend.
Key Model Insights: Fading McIlroy, Backing DeChambeau
1. Rory McIlroy’s Augusta Struggles
Despite being a four-time major champion, McIlroy hasn’t won a major since 2014 and has missed the cut in two of his last four Masters starts, including a T22 finish in 2024. His quest for the career Grand Slam—joining legends like Gene Sarazen and Tiger Woods—faces hurdles due to inconsistent putting (ranked 89th in strokes gained: putting in 2024). The model projects McIlroy outside the top five, making him a risky bet at short odds.
2. Bryson DeChambeau’s Resurgence
DeChambeau, once criticized for calling Augusta a “par 67,” silenced doubters with a T6 finish in 2024—his first top-10 at the Masters. Improved course management and a refined short game (13th in scrambling last season) position him as a dark horse.
3. Scottie Scheffler’s 2025 Form
Though winless in four 2025 PGA Tour starts, Scheffler’s T3 at the Genesis Invitational and historic 2024 stats—No. 1 in strokes gained: approach (1.269) and scoring average (68.01)—keep him the favorite. His Augusta track record (no finish worse than T19) adds confidence.
Three Longshots the Model Loves
The model identifies three golfers at 30-1 or longer with legitimate title chances, including:
- Sahith Theegala (70-1): Ranked 5th in birdie average (4.52) in 2024.
- Cameron Young (85-1): Elite off-the-tee game (5th in driving distance).
- Adam Scott (130-1): Experience and clutch putting on Augusta’s greens.
2025 Masters Odds: Full List of Contenders
| Golfer | Odds |
|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | +490 |
| Rory McIlroy | +600 |
| Ludvig Åberg | +1300 |
| Jon Rahm | +1500 |
| Bryson DeChambeau | +1700 |
| Collin Morikawa | +1700 |
| Xander Schauffele | +2100 |
| Hideki Matsuyama | +2300 |
| Full list extends to Phil Mickelson at +20000 |
How to Leverage the Model’s Picks
For the model’s exact longshot picks, projected leaderboard, and optimal DFS lineups, visit SportsLine. Its data-driven approach accounts for Augusta’s nuances, including:
- Greens in Regulation (GIR): Critical for navigating Amen Corner.
- Strokes Gained: Putting: Decisive on undulating greens.
- Weather Adjustments: Early April forecasts predicting mild conditions.
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