Uncertain Favorites: Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler's Masters Quest

The last two Masters champions face questions about their form and health heading into the 2026 tournament.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:18am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a golf tournament scene, with the players' movements and actions represented through bold, angular shapes and vibrant colors, creating a dynamic and visually striking illustration.The 2026 Masters promises an unpredictable battle as top contenders Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler face form and fitness challenges, setting the stage for a dynamic and artistically-rendered tournament.Augusta Today

The 2026 Masters tournament is shaping up to be an intriguing one, with the last two champions, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, both facing questions about their current form and fitness. McIlroy is dealing with a back injury, while Scheffler has struggled with his iron play this season, raising doubts about his ability to defend his title. With a deep field of contenders rounding into form, the stage is set for an unpredictable and exciting Masters.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and the performances of McIlroy and Scheffler, as the recent champions, will be closely watched. Their struggles could open the door for other players to claim the green jacket, making for a more wide-open and competitive tournament.

The details

For Scheffler, the issue is his iron play, which has declined significantly this season. After leading the PGA Tour in approach play for the last three seasons, he now ranks 80th, struggling with his wedges and long irons. The cause of this sudden change is unclear, with some analysts suggesting anxiety or a shorter swing. Scheffler has been largely abstract in describing his issues, adding to the mystery. McIlroy's struggles are more related to his health, as he suffered a back flare-up at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Since then, he has struggled to find his form, even when in contention. The question is which version of McIlroy will show up at Augusta National - the one who arrived last year in the best form of his career, or a different version.

  • McIlroy suffered a back flare-up at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2026.
  • Scheffler has struggled with his iron play throughout the 2026 PGA Tour season.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A four-time major champion and the 2022 Masters winner, McIlroy is dealing with a back injury that has impacted his recent performances.

Scottie Scheffler

The 2023 Masters champion, Scheffler has seen a significant decline in his iron play this season, ranking 80th on the PGA Tour in approach play after leading the tour in that category for the previous three seasons.

Bryson DeChambeau

A former U.S. Open champion who is rounding into form and could be a contender at the 2026 Masters.

Jon Rahm

The world's top-ranked player, Rahm is also a threat to win his first green jacket at Augusta National.

Cameron Young

A rising young star on the PGA Tour who has been playing well and could make a run at the Masters title.

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What they’re saying

“We're not sure what's causing the sudden change in Scottie's iron play, but it's definitely a concern heading into the Masters.”

— Golf Analyst

“Rory's back injury is always a worry, and it remains to be seen which version of him we'll see at Augusta this year.”

— Golf Commentator

What’s next

The Masters tournament will take place from April 10-13, 2026, at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

The takeaway

The 2026 Masters is shaping up to be an unpredictable and wide-open tournament, with the last two champions, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, both facing questions about their current form and fitness. This could open the door for other players to make a run at the green jacket, making for an exciting and highly competitive event.