The Masters always delivers surprises. Over the past two decades, underdogs like Patrick Reed, Danny Willett, Charl Schwartzel, Trevor Immelman, and Zach Johnson have all claimed the iconic Green Jacket.
Could another dark horse emerge in 2025? Here are three players who might just shock the world.
3. Robert MacIntyre – The Lefty Wildcard
Since Mike Weir broke through as the first left-handed Masters champion in 2003, southpaws Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson have combined for five more wins. Could Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre be next?
Absolutely. Despite a missed cut at the Genesis Invitational (thanks to an unlucky weather draw), MacIntyre has been in strong form, logging finishes of T-6, T-11, and solo ninth in recent starts. He ranks fifth on the PGA Tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green this season—but his putting has held him back. If he can heat up on the greens this week, he could follow in Sandy Lyle’s footsteps as the second Scotsman to conquer Augusta.
2. Jason Day – The Aussie Contender
Augusta National’s layout shares similarities with Australia’s famed Sandbelt courses, and while only Adam Scott has won the Masters Down Under, Aussies have frequently contended. Jason Day is no exception—the 2015 PGA Champion boasts four top-10 finishes at Augusta, including a T-5 in 2019.
A world-class ball-striker, Day thrives when his irons are dialed in. This season, he’s been consistent, avoiding missed cuts and notching two top-10s. His most recent outing at the Texas Children’s Houston Open saw him post three sub-70 rounds, though his putter was streaky. If he finds his rhythm on the greens, Day could finally break through for his first Green Jacket.
1. Maverick McNealy – The Rising Star
Fresh off a T-3 finish at the Valero Texas Open, Maverick McNealy has cracked the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time. The former Stanford standout has been on a tear over the past year, capped by his maiden PGA Tour victory at the 2024 RSM Classic, which secured his Masters debut.
While only Fuzzy Zoeller (1979) has won the Masters as a rookie, McNealy has the tools to defy history. A stellar iron player and elite putter, he’s already racked up four top-10s this season. With his game peaking at the right time, McNealy is a high-upside pick who could make a historic splash at Augusta.
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