Augusta ready to raise Masters curtain on Scottie Rory show

AUGUSTA, Georgia - Anticipation for the years first major was building at Augusta National as defending Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and Grand Slam-seeking Rory McIlroy get ready for a potential Green Jacket showdown.

The pristine Augusta National layout may look different when the opening round begins on Thursday as the course is believed to have lost some 1,500 trees to Hurricane Helene last September but the visual changes will do little to curb excitement.

Tournament favourite and world number one Scheffler is looking to become only the fourth player to retain a Masters title while a win for McIlroy would make him only the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam of golfs four majors.

Unlike last year at this time, Scheffler has yet to earn a win on the season but appears to be rounding into form right in time having arrived at Augusta National fresh off a runner-up finish at his Masters tune-up in Houston.

Im feeling good, ready to roll, Scheffler said this week.

McIlroy, who counts a runner-up showing in 2022 among his seven top-10 finishes at the Masters, has endured his share of Augusta heartbreak in his career but has been the sports best player all year and seems poised for a Green Jacket fitting.

But should the Northern Irishman find himself in contention come Sunday he will not only have to focus on his game but also on not letting the potential to join an elite club weigh on him.

Just trying to block out that noise as much as possible, said McIlroy. I need to treat this tournament like all the other tournaments that I play throughout the year.

World number three Xander Schauffele has been flying under the radar much of the week but should not be discounted as he seeks