Must-Watch Groups for the First Two Rounds of the Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. — One of the best parts of Masters week arrived just before noon on Tuesday: tee times and groupings for the first two rounds.

While there are plenty of threesomes that are worth keeping an eye on, four jumped out to me as I worked my way down the tee sheet.

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Best Groups for the First Two Rounds of the Masters

Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, and Brooks Koepka

Tee times: 1:20 p.m. ET (Thursday), 9:55 a.m. ET (Friday)

Spieth at the Masters is always box office. Much like Tiger Woods, something about this property speaks to him. So, you put him in the same grouping as Rose—this week’s people’s champion—and Brooks Koepka, you can bet I’ll be locked in.

Jon Rahm, Chris Gotterup, and Ludvig Aberg

Tee times: 1:08 p.m. ET (Thursday), 9:43 a.m. ET (Friday)

I wouldn’t be shocked if the winner comes from this group. Aberg has struggled to close in recent weeks, but he’s trending. Plus, he’s finished second and seventh in his two previous Masters starts. For Gotterup, he’s already won twice this season. And Rahm, well, he’s a threat every time he tees it up.

Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young, and Mason Howell (A)

Tee times: 10:31 a.m. ET (Thursday), 1:44 p.m. ET (Friday)

For the first time in his career, McIlroy arrived at Augusta as a Masters champion. I can’t even imagine the relief he’s feeling right now. Young, after his win at THE PLAYERS, is a popular pick to win—of course, back-to-back top-10 finishes in ‘23 and ‘24 don’t hurt either. And I always love watching the amateurs at the Masters. Howell will have plenty of pressure to deal with playing alongside these two bombers.

Scottie Scheffler, Robert MacIntyre, and Gary Woodland

Tee times: 1:44 p.m. ET (Thursday), 10:19 a.m. ET (Friday)

Scheffler is Scheffler. Bob is a popular pick among the masses—including my boss. Gary is a few weeks removed from producing one of the best moments golf has seen in years. Yeah, I’ll be tuned in to these three.

Featured Groups for Thursday at the Masters