Rahm, Clark, and Fleetwood Lead Dynamic Opening Rounds at the 2025 Masters
Augusta, GA – The 88th Masters Tournament kicked off today with the highly anticipated pairings revealed, headlined by Jon Rahm sharing a tee box with Wyndham Clark and Tommy Fleetwood. Two days remain before the final group takes the course, and the initial impressions are already brimming with talent and competitive energy.
Key Pairings for Thursday and Friday
Tournament organizers have solidified the first two rounds, unveiling the groupings for Thursday and Friday, April 8th and 9th. Rahm’s trio stands out as one of the most formidable, facing off against Clark – a 31-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona – and Fleetwood, fresh off a third-place finish at the 2024 Masters. Clark, boasting a runner-up finish at the 2023 U.S. Open, is looking to build on that momentum as he returns to Augusta.
Fleetwood, meanwhile, returns to the prestigious event after a strong showing in 2024, securing his best result – third place – and is backed by a remarkable record, including multiple top-five finishes in major championships like the U.S. Open and British Open in 2019. He’s also a silver medalist from the recent Paris Games.
Notable Spanish Representation
Four Spanish players are competing this year. José María Olazabal, a legend of the game with 35 Masters appearances (the most amongst current players; only Fred Couples and Bernhard Langer surpassing him), will play with Thriston Lawrence and Brian Campbell. Olazabal, aiming for his fifth green jacket, is looking to add to his 1994 and 1999 victories. Sergio García, a 2017 champion, is paired with Lucas Glover and Daniel Berger, adding to his impressive 100-event career tally.
Thursday Featured Groups Schedule. #themasters
9:47 am Collin Morikkawa, Joaquin Niemann, Min Woo Lee
10:15 am Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Jose Luis Ballester
1:12 p.m. Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, Akshay Bhatia
1:34 p.m. Jon Rahm, Wyndham Clark, Tommy Fleetwood
Joining the main Spanish contingent is 21-year-old Josele Ballester, who earned the U.S. Amateur title and is making his Masters debut, facing off against defending champion Scottie Scheffler. Alongside Ballester, Justin Thomas provides a powerful duo, offering a blend of experience and youthful drive.
Looking Ahead
Rahm will tee off at 1:34 pm local time (7:34 pm in Spain) on Thursday and 19:23 on Friday. Clark will begin at 13:34, representing his ninth Masters appearance. Fleetwood plays at 10:26 am local time (4:26 pm in Spain) on Friday. All pairings can be found here. Movistar + will provide comprehensive broadcast coverage of the entire tournament.
Masters Legends Reflect on Augusta
José María Olazabal, aiming for a fifth green jacket, arrives with 35 Masters starts, placing him among the tournament’s most experienced competitors. His 1994 and 1999 victories remain iconic moments in Masters history. Sergio García, seeking his second major title, will enter the competition with 100 starts and an unmatched legacy in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the tournament begin? The tournament begins on April 8th, 2025.
- Who is playing? Jon Rahm, Wyndham Clark, Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia, José María Olazabal, and Justin Thomas are among the notable competitors.
- Where can I watch the tournament? Movistar+ has exclusive broadcast rights.
With these impressive pairings set to compete, the 2025 Masters promises an immediate weekend of drama, excitement, and a fierce battle for the coveted green jacket.
Call to Action: Share your predictions for the tournament in the comments below!