Rory McIlroy battles star-studded field to defend US Masters title

Rory McIlroy will face a formidable challenge from an elite global field as he prepares to defend his title at the 90th US Masters at Augusta.

The world number two returns to Georgia hoping to retain the coveted green jacket, but arrives with lingering fitness concerns.

A recent back problem forced the Northern Irishman to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational before he managed only a 48th-place finish at the Players Championship.

Scheffler and LIV Golf stars pose major threat

World number one Scottie Scheffler remains a prime candidate as he chases a third Masters triumph in just five years.

Despite struggling with poor opening rounds recently, the American boasts an exceptional tournament record that includes two victories and two other top-10 finishes in his last four appearances.

Meanwhile, a strong contingent from the LIV Golf circuit is eager to disrupt proceedings at the season’s opening major.

Bryson DeChambeau enters the event in spectacular form following back-to-back victories in Singapore and South Africa.

European challengers hit peak form

Jon Rahm is also hunting further major glory, having secured a recent win in Hong Kong alongside a string of consistent high finishes.

Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg will be highly confident after recording top-five finishes in his last two tournament outings.

The 26-year-old thrives around the complex Augusta layout, previously finishing as runner-up on his 2024 debut before claiming seventh place last year.

His Ryder Cup team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick arrives at Magnolia Lane ranked a career-high fifth in the world.

American contenders seek resurgence

The 2022 US Open champion recently secured the Valspar Championship and has never missed the cut here since his debut 12 years ago.

Xander Schauffele is another heavyweight looking to make a decisive impact after overcoming an early-season injury.

The double-major winner of 2024 is steadily returning to his best form as the sport’s finest converge on golf’s most iconic venue.