Scheffler and McIlroy start side-by-side at Masters
Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and world number two Rory McIlroy, each chasing a milestone Masters victory, will be playing partners in the first two rounds starting Thursday at Augusta National. Reigning Olympic champion Xander Schauffele, the world number five seeking his first major title, will complete the feature trio from the field of 89, which includes 20 Masters newcomers. Scheffler could join 15-time major winner Tiger Woods as the only players to win the Masters twice while ranked world number one. But Scheffler's trademark discipline and composure won't let him ponder the impact of a second green jacket in three seasons. "I try not to look too far into the future," he said. "All I'm trying to do is put myself in contention in the tournament and hopefully finish it off. I really am not looking much past tomorrow. I'm focused on my preparation." McIlroy, a four-time major winner from Northern Ireland, knows all too well that a Masters triumph would complete a career grand slam. It's the 10th time he has tried to finish the feat since winning his most recent majors in 2014. "I've already got most of my prep work done, so it's just about going out there and being relaxed and being in the right frame of mind," McIlroy said. "The more I can do that, the more I'll be able to execute on the golf course." Among those confident McIlroy will complete the career grand slam is five-time Masters champion Woods. "No question, he'll do it at some point," Woods said. "Rory is too talented, too good. He's going to be playing this event for a very long time. He'll get it done. It's just a matter of when." Woods, a five-time Masters winner, is trying to make a record 24th consecutive Masters cut, surpassing the current mark he shares with Gary Player and Fred Couples. The 48-year-old American says he still has what it takes to match the record six green jackets won by Jack Nicklaus despite severe leg injuries from a 2021 car crash and ankle surgery last April. "If everything comes together, I think I can get one more," Woods said. (AFP)