MAGIC OF THE MASTERS

For all the layers of brilliance to the annual Masters Tournament, one thing stands out above all others.

- Jim McCabe

More than any other week on the golf tournament, the festivities at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia cast a magical spell on not only the tens of thousands of patrons who are fortunate enough to attend, but on millions of fans across the globe who will watch on TV or other digital platforms of choice.

Oh, and those skilled enough to compete in the Masters hold the tournament in high esteem, too.

“It’s a very electric atmosphere out there. This is the Masters. It’s got the beauty, it’s got the colour, it’s got the sound and the breezes. Everything together makes this place special.” Those words were spoken by Nick Faldo, who may be long retired not only from his competitive days but also from his TV commentary duties, and how we'll hear his name tied to the 2025 Masters. That's because the dynamic Scottie Scheffler is going to attempt to match Masters feats that only a handful of the game’s greatest names have recorded, Faldo being one of them.

When he embarks upon his sixth Masters (April 10-13), Scheffler will be trying to become just the fourth player to successfully defend his title. He would match Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Faldo (1989-90), and Tiger Woods (2001-02).

Scheffler is also in position to become just the ninth player in history to win at least three Masters (Nicklaus has six; Woods five; Arnold Palmer four; Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Faldo, and Phil Mickelson all have three). And what could put Scheffler in even more rarified air is this - with Green Jackets in '22, '24 and '25, he would match Nicklaus (1963, '65, '66) as the only winners of three Masters in a four-year window.