Emerging Stars to Watch at the 2025 Masters Golf Tournament

The prestigious Masters Tournament, known as the tradition unlike any other, is set to return to Augusta National this weekend. As 95 of the world’s top golfers prepare to compete, all eyes will be on familiar names such as reigning champion Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and two-time major winners Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele. However, this article shines a spotlight on nine lesser-known golfers who could make significant impacts at this year’s event.

Shane Lowry: A Major Contender

Shane Lowry has established himself as a formidable player in major tournaments. With a victory at the 2019 Open Championship and a notable second-place finish in the 2022 Masters, he consistently demonstrates his talent on the big stage. Despite a mixed performance last season, he secured sixth place in both the PGA Championship and Open Championship, showcasing his competitive edge.

This year, Lowry has started strong, achieving three top-10 finishes in seven events, including a runner-up finish at Pebble Beach. His recent form includes impressive rankings in key metrics vital for success at Augusta: he sits fourth in shots gained tee-to-green, sixth in shots gained approach to the green, and 24th in shots gained around the green.

Russell Henley: Rising from the Shadows

Historically, Augusta National has not been particularly kind to Russell Henley, with only one top-20 finish in eight appearances. Nonetheless, he closed out last season with a solid performance, finishing tied for seventh at the U.S. Open and fifth at the Open Championship. This strong finish earned him a place at the Presidents Cup, where he continued to impress with a stunning victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Henley has made the cut in all seven tournaments this year, boasting four top-10 finishes. He currently ranks 16th in shots gained tee-to-green and around the green, and 22nd in shots gained approach to the green, making him a player worth watching.

J.J. Spaun: A Marked Improvement

J.J. Spaun recently showcased his resilience at the Players Championship, where he put up a commendable fight against Rory McIlroy in a playoff. Despite not winning, his recent form includes a second-place finish at the Cognizant and a third-place tie at the Sony Open in Hawaii. While his other outings have not gone as smoothly, he has the potential to rise rapidly through the leaderboard when in form.

Spaun excels in shots gained approach to the green, currently ranking second, and holds the seventh position in shots gained tee-to-green. His combination of skill and determination makes him a sleeper pick to watch.

Robert McIntyre: The Seasoned Challenger

Currently experiencing a resurgence, Robert McIntyre has achieved solid finishes in recent tournaments, including tied for sixth, a missed cut, tied for 11th, and ninth. His rankings show he is fifth in shots gained tee-to-green, competing well against top players known for their major championships. While his putting may hold him back, his driving and iron play are strong enough to keep him competitive as the tournament unfolds.

Will Zalatoris: A Familiar Face Among Sleepers

Despite being a well-known golfer, Will Zalatoris stands out as an intriguing sleeper at the Masters. With three top-10 finishes in previous appearances at Augusta, he has shown he can handle this challenging course. However, this season has not started ideally for him, even as he consistently finishes in the top 50 across various tournaments.

Corey Conners: A Dark Horse

Heading into Masters week, Corey Conners is riding a wave of momentum with three top-10 finishes in recent events. His ability to strike the ball well is crucial for success at Augusta, and Conners has demonstrated he can perform under pressure. In his seven appearances at the Masters, he has finished in the top 10 three times, marking him as a player poised to make a significant push this year.

Arya Bhatia: Building Momentum

Having tied for 35th in his debut at the Masters last year, Arya Bhatia has shown substantial improvement. This season, he has achieved top-10 finishes at prominent events, including The Players and Genesis Invitational. His recent performances indicate he is entering the Masters with confidence, and a favorable course condition could propel him further up the leaderboard.

Sepp Straka: Making His Mark

In his fourth Masters appearance, Sepp Straka aims to build on his previous best finish of 16th place. His recent form, with finishes of 11th, fifth, and 14th, demonstrates his upward trajectory. Earning a victory at The American Express this season, Straka is definitely in the conversation when considering potential dark horses at Augusta National.

Tom Kim: Gaining Experience

While Tom Kim has faced ups and downs, including two missed cuts in his last four tournaments, his performance at Augusta National has been commendable thus far. With a tied-for-16th finish in 2023 and a 30th-place finish last year, he has shown he can compete effectively on this challenging course. Notably, his final round last year was an impressive 66, the lowest score of the day by two strokes. If he can address some approach game errors, he may emerge as a formidable challenger come Sunday.

Looking Ahead: A Competitive Landscape

The 2025 Masters promises to be an exhilarating event with a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talent vying for the iconic green jacket. As fans gear up for a weekend filled with excitement, paying attention to these underdogs may reveal who ultimately shines on golf’s biggest stage.