What's new in professional golf?

1. The Masters 2025 is just around the corner, with experts sharing their predictions and sleeper picks for the tournament. It's always an exciting time as the world's best golfers compete at Augusta National. 

  2. Angel Cabrera, a former Masters Champion, is making a comeback after spending 30 months in a South            American prison. His return to Augusta is highly anticipated. 

 3. The T-Mobile Match Play is set to be the last annual professional golf tournament in Las Vegas, following the end of the Shriners Hospital for Children sponsorship. 

The latest top 10 players in the Official World Golf Rankings as of April 2025: 

1. Scottie Scheffler (USA) - 13.99 points 

  2. Rory McIlroy (NIR) - 9.81 points 

  3. Xander Schauffele (USA) - 7.95 points 

  4. Collin Morikawa (USA) - 6.55 points

  5. Ludvig Åberg (SWE) - 5.93 points 

 6. Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) - 5.48 points

 7. Russell Henley (USA) - 4.97 points 

 8. Viktor Hovland (NOR) - 4.35 points 

 9. Justin Thomas (USA) - 4.27 points 

 10. Wyndham Clark (USA) - 3.75 points 

The recent performances of the top-ranked golfers: 

Scottie Scheffler 

• Masters 2025: Preparing to defend his title. 
• Recent Wins: Dominated the Genesis Invitational. 

• Other Performances: Consistent top finishes, including a strong showing at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

   

  Rory McIlroy 

• Masters 2025: Aiming to complete the career Grand Slam. 
• Recent Wins: Victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship. 

• Other Performances: Consistent top 10 finishes, showing resilience and form. 

  Xander Schauffele 

• Masters 2025: Returning from injury, relying on experience. 
• Recent Wins: Strong performances despite injury setbacks, including a win at the PGA Championship. 

• Other Performances: Top 10 finishes at various tournaments.

   Collin Morikawa 

• Masters 2025: Expected to challenge for the title. 
• Recent Wins: Consistent top 10 finishes, including second place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

• Other Performances: Strong ball-striking and approach play. 

  Ludvig Åberg 

• Masters 2025: Runner-up in his debut last year. 
• Recent Wins: Victory at The Genesis Invitational. 

• Other Performances: Mixed results, with some missed cuts but strong shows in key events.

   Hideki Matsuyama 

• Masters 2025: Consistent performances, aiming for another major win. 
• Recent Wins: Victory at The Sentry Tournament of Champions. 

• Other Performances: Top 25 finishes in several tournaments. 

  Russell Henley 

• Masters 2025: Looking to build on recent success. 
• Recent Wins: Victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

• Other Performances: Multiple top 10 finishes. 

  Viktor Hovland 

• Masters 2025: Coming off a win at the Valspar Championship. 
• Recent Wins: Strong finish at the Valspar Championship. 

• Other Performances: Mixed results, with some missed cuts. 

  Justin Thomas 

• Masters 2025: Aiming to improve past performances. 
• Recent Wins: Second place at the Valspar Championship. 

• Other Performances: Consistent top 10 finishes.

   Wyndham Clark 

• Masters 2025: Preparing for the tournament with recent adjustments. 
• Recent Wins: Strong performances at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. 

• Other Performances: Consistent top 10 finishes. The 2025 Masters Tournament will take place from April 10th to April 13th at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The tournament kicks off with the first round on Thursday, April 10th, and concludes with the final round and green jacket ceremony on Sunday, April 13th. 

   

  You can watch the 2025 Masters both online and on TV. Here's how: 

  TV Coverage 

• ESPN: Coverage of the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, as well as the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday. 

• CBS: Coverage of the third and final rounds on Saturday and Sunday. 

   

  Online Streaming 

• Paramount+: Exclusive early coverage on Saturday and Sunday. 
• ESPN+: Extensive streaming coverage, including featured groups and holes. 

• Masters.com and the Masters App: Free streaming options with coverage of featured groups, Amen Corner, and more. 

   

  The Masters Tournament features several special events and traditions that make it unique: 

  Masters Week Schedule 

• Monday, April 7: Practice rounds begin, players arrive at Augusta National. 
• Tuesday, April 8: Practice rounds continue, followed by the Masters Champions Dinner, where past champions gather for a special meal hosted by the previous year's winner. 
• Wednesday, April 9: The Masters Par 3 Contest, a fun and relaxed event where players often bring family members to caddy. 
• Thursday, April 10: The tournament officially begins with the Honorary Starters Ceremony, featuring legendary golfers hitting the first tee shots. 
• Friday, April 11: Second round of the tournament. 
• Saturday, April 12: Third round of the tournament. 

• Sunday, April 13: Final round, culminating in the Green Jacket Ceremony for the winner. 

   

  The Masters Champions Dinner is a cherished tradition held on the Tuesday before the tournament begins. Here's what typically happens: 

  Tradition and History 

• Started in 1952: Initiated by Ben Hogan, the dinner brings together all past Masters champions. 

• Host: The previous year's champion hosts the dinner and selects the menu. 

  Dinner 

• Menu Selection: The host chooses the menu, often reflecting their personal tastes or cultural background. For example, Scottie Scheffler's 2025 menu includes Texas-style dishes like cowboy ribeye, blackened redfish, and his grandfather's meatballs. 
• Attendees: Only past champions and a few select guests, including the current club chairman, attend.

•  Atmosphere: It's a relaxed and celebratory evening where champions share stories and camaraderie. 

   

  Notable Menus 

• Tiger Woods: Known for including sushi and fajitas in his menus. 
• Phil Mickelson: Served fried chicken and barbecue ribs. 

• Jose Maria Olazabal: Honored his Basque heritage with tapas and Solomillo de Buey. 

  Some of the most famous past Masters champions: 

  Jack Nicklaus 

• Wins: 6 (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986) 

• Notable Achievements: Holds the record for the most Masters victories and is the oldest winner at 46 years old in 1986. 

   

  Tiger Woods 

• Wins: 5 (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019) 

• Notable Achievements: Youngest winner at 21 years old in 1997 and known for his dominant 12-stroke victory.

   Arnold Palmer 

• Wins: 4 (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964) 

• Notable Achievements: One of the most charismatic and beloved figures in golf, known for his aggressive playing style. 

  Gary Player 

• Wins: 3 (1961, 1974, 1978) 

• Notable Achievements: First non-American to win the Masters, known for his fitness and longevity in the sport.

   Nick Faldo 

• Wins: 3 (1989, 1990, 1996) 

• Notable Achievements: Known for his calm demeanor and strategic play, successfully defended his title twice.

   Phil Mickelson

•  Wins: 3 (2004, 2006, 2010) 

• Notable Achievements: Known for his short game and left-handed play, a fan favorite. 

   

  These champions have left a legacy at Augusta National.

   The most memorable moments of these legendary golfers include: 

   

  Jack Nicklaus 

• 1986 Masters: At 46 years old, Nicklaus won his sixth Masters, becoming the oldest winner in the tournament's history. His back-nine charges, including an eagle on the 15th and birdies on the 16th and 17th, are legendary.

•  1975 Masters: Nicklaus won his fifth Masters, holding off Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Miller in a thrilling finish.

   Tiger Woods 

• 1997 Masters: Woods won his first major by a record 12 strokes at just 21 years old, setting the stage for his dominance in golf.
•  2008 U.S. Open: Despite a severe leg injury, Woods won in a dramatic playoff against Rocco Mediate. 

• 2019 Masters: After years of personal and physical struggles, Woods made a historic comeback to win his fifth Masters. 

  Arnold Palmer 

• 1960 U.S. Open: Palmer staged a remarkable comeback, shooting a final-round 65 to win after being seven strokes behind. 

• 1961 and 1962 Open Championships: Palmer's victories helped popularize the Open Championship among American golfers. 

  Gary Player 

• 1965 U.S. Open: Player became the first non-American to win the U.S. Open, completing the career Grand Slam. 

• 1978 Masters: Player won his third Masters with a final round 64, one of the greatest comebacks in Masters history. 

  Nick Faldo

•  1996 Masters: Faldo won his third Masters, capitalizing on Greg Norman's collapse to secure victory. 

• 1990 Open Championship: Faldo's dominant performance at St. Andrews, winning by five strokes. 

   

  Phil Mickelson

•  2004 Masters: Mickelson won his first major with a dramatic birdie on the 18th hole.

•  2013 Open Championship: Mickelson's final-round 66 at Muirfield is considered one of the greatest rounds in major championship history. 

   

  Here are some of the most dramatic final rounds in golf history: 

  Jack Nicklaus - 1986 Masters 

• Moment: At 46 years old, Nicklaus won his sixth Masters with a stunning final-round 65. His back-nine charges, including an eagle on the 15th and birdies on the 16th and 17th, are legendary. 

   

  Tiger Woods - 2019 Masters 

• Moment: Woods made a historic comeback to win his fifth Masters, overcoming a two-shot deficit on the final day. His birdies on the back nine, especially the 16th hole, were crucial. 

   

  Jordan Spieth - 2017 British Open

•  Moment: Spieth recovered from near disaster to win at Royal Birkdale. His dramatic comeback included a birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie stretch on the final holes. 

   

  Phil Mickelson - 2004 Masters 

• Moment: Mickelson won his first major with a dramatic birdie on the 18th hole. His final round 69 included crucial birdies in the last few holes.

   

   Tiger Woods - 2008 U.S. Open 

• Moment: Woods, battling a knee injury, won a dramatic 18-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate. His birdie on the 18th hole to force the playoff was unforgettable. 

   

  Louis Oosthuizen - 2010 Open Championship 

• Moment: Oosthuizen led wire-to-wire at St. Andrews, finishing seven strokes ahead. His consistency and accuracy were remarkable.