Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler of the United States and world number two Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, 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 of the U.S., 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, fancied by oddsmakers, could join 15-time major winner Tiger Woods as the only players to win the Masters twice while ranked world number one.
The 27-year-old American has seven top-10 finishes in eight starts this year, including wins at The Players Championship and Arnold Palmer Championship.
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. \"I'm excited about how I've been playing to begin this year.
\"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.\"
Reference(s):
Golf: Scheffler and McIlroy start side-by-side in Masters showdown
cgtn.com
