It's Masters week, the time when all eyes in the golf world turn to Augusta National, where rich history and 'a tradition unlike any other' will fill the headlines. Here are some of the biggest storylines heading into the first major of the season. 

Scheffler going for third green jacket

Scottie Scheffler, the defending Masters champion is looking to make a statement this year and join an exclusive club of players to win the storied championship more than two times. 

Scheffler won the Masters in both 2024 and in 2022. 

If he can go back-to-back at Augusta this year, something no one has done since Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002, he'll become just the 9th player to win the Masters three or more times. 

Winning the Masters three times would put Scheffler into a club with stories names like Nicklaus, Woods, Palmer, Demaret, Snead, Player, Faldo, and Mickelson. 

Augusta National 'in spectacular condition' after being damaged during Hurricane Helene

When Hurricane Helene ripped through portions of the southeastern United States last fall, Augusta National was not spared from the path of the storm.

Aerial photos captured from a drone showed heavy damage done to the property with downed trees strewn about the fairways.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said at the time that the course had sustained "a lot of damage."

Several months later, Ridley said that the course was "in spectacular condition," only losing some trees.

"I think we had minor damage to the course, the playing surfaces themselves, but we were able to get that back in shape, but I don't think you're going to see any difference in the condition for the Masters this year," Ridley said.

Following the devastating impact the storm left in its wake, Augusta National donated $5 million toward the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund.

"I was in Augusta in the days immediately after the storm and have seen firsthand its devastating impact," Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, said at the time. "Our goal is to make a difference when it's needed the most."

Scheffler's champions dinner

With Scottie Scheffler being a repeat champion, many wondered whether his menu for the Champions Dinner, held during the week before the Masters gets underway, would be the same as it was two years ago or if the world's #1-ranked player would go a different route. 

The answer is a little bit of both.

By and large, Scheffler's menu is the same as it was in 2023 but with one noted addition that some could even say is a fun little Easter egg. 

Just like in the past, Scheffler served cheeseburger sliders served "Scottie-style," firecracker shrimp, the choice of a ribeye or blackened redfish, and a warm chocolate chip skillet cookie.

One key addition, however, are "Papa Scheff's Meatball and Ravioli bites," a play on the hand injury that kept Scheffler out of two tournaments at the start of the year. 

Over the Christmas holiday, Scheffler suffered a cut to the palm of his hand while making homemade ravioli at a rental house, using a wine glass when he didn't have the tools he needed.

It's safe to bet the Augusta National staff likely had the right tools to make sure the ravioli are just what Scottie is looking for. 

Prior to the dinner, Scheffler joked that he might get some help cutting up his steak so that he wouldn't need to use a knife. 

Taste of the Masters

If you've always dreamt of going to Augusta National and attending the Masters, you've surely had hopes of being able to sample some of the iconic foods served at the tournament.

From pimento cheese sandwiches to egg salad and barbecue pulled pork, Augusta is known for its inexpensive food menus that seem to stand the test of time.

If you're not lucky enough to win the lottery to purchase tickets to the Masters, perhaps you had a chance to still get the iconic Augusta food options in the comfort of your own home, thanks to a partnership between the club and Goldbelly. 

Taste of the Masters kits allow you to try all the timeless concessions in your own kitchen. 

Large and small kits are both offered, each providing different concession items along with things like cups, coasters, and hosting materials. 

Tiger Woods not going to be in the field at Augusta National

One big name that won't be in the field for the Masters this year is Tiger Woods, who recently underwent surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Woods has been active this year in the TGL, a new indoor simulator league consisting of six teams, but has yet to make any appearances on the PGA Tour. 

Woods was set to make his season debut at the Genesis Invitational but withdrew from the tournament when his mother, Kultida died at the age of 78.

Prior to Woods' rupturing his Achilles, NBC's Brad Faxon recently said that the five-time Masters winner played 18 holes at Seminole without even a limp, saying that Woods "was certainly in condition to play."

It's unclear whether Woods will recover in time to play in any other majors or tournaments this season, including at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in June. 

Ludvig Aberg's second run at the Masters

One year ago, a rookie phenom made his debut at the Masters and contended all the way to the end of the tournament. Can Ludvig Aberg challenge again at Augusta in his second go at a green jacket?

Aberg, 25, burst onto the golf scene in 2023 after finishing atop the PGA Tour University rankings while playing at Texas Tech. Since then, he helped propel Europe to a big win at the Ryder Cup and has two PGA Tour wins.

Last year at the Masters, he finished 2nd, trailing only two-time champion Scottie Scheffler.

Aberg has one win this season already, having been victorious at the Genesis Invitational, usually played at Riviera Country Club, but moved to Torrey Pines in San Diego due to the wildfires in Los Angeles area.

Rory McIlroy's major drought stretches beyond a decade

It's been more than ten years since Rory McIlroy, one of the biggest and most decorated players in the game of golf has won a major championship.

Is this the tournament where Rory ends his winless streak in major championships and also completes the Grand Slam?

He's won the PGA Championship twice, the U.S. Open once, and The Open Championship once, but winning a green jacket has eluded him during his storied career.

McIlroy has had several close calls in majors as of late with top ten finishes in the last six U.S. Opens, including the heartbreaker at last year's tournament at Pinehurst.

So far this year, McIlroy is off to a hot start, having won two of the four events he played in, victorious at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and winning The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in a playoff with J.J. Spaun. 

It's the first time in his career he has won twice going into the Masters. 

Following a 5th place finish at the Houston Open, McIlroy said his right elbow has been bothering him and that he would be getting treatment ahead of his heading to Augusta.

No repeat of last year's outfit incident with Jason Day

When Jason Day tees it up at Augusta National this week, don't expect to see any fireworks when it comes to his outfit on the course.

Last year, the former No. 1 player in the world made headlines not for his play, but for his fashion, when he showed up for his opening round of the tournament wearing what many referred to as a "knit vest" by Malbon Golf, the clothing line Day is a brand ambassador for. 

Day was ultimately asked to remove the sweater vest by Augusta National officials and ahead of this year's tournament, he ensured there won't be a repeat incident this time around.

During a recent appearance on the "Dan on Golf Show" with Dan Rappaport, Day revealed that this year's outfit decisions will be dialed back.

"But it'll be toned down just because they have a little bit more, they asked to see the scripting before," Day said. "The funny thing was, they've never asked to see scripting of mine because I've always been pretty neutral and down the middle. This year they asked, obviously, with what happened last year."

Matt Fitzpatrick with a new caddie on the bag

When 2022 U.S. Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick tees off at Augusta National, he'll have different caddie on the bag.

It was recently announced that Fitzpatrick and legendary caddie Billy Foster have split up after six years together. 

Foster has worked with several players over the years including Seve Ballesteros and Lee Westwood and has been on the bag for 45 wins over the years and 16 different Ryder Cups. 

"Well, after six years, all good things come to an end," Foster said in an Instagram post. "This game never stops to frustrate you and infuriate you. Unfortunately, times change and ultimately it's the caddie or the coach that has to accept results are not good enough and when you stop enjoying what you are doing it's time for a change. Thanks, Matt, we had a great run and who knows where the next chapter will go. Onwards and upwards."

"It was a great journey," he wrote. 

Neal Shipley not in this year's field after becoming a fan favorite last year

While all eyes will be on the players in the field for this year's tournament, Neal Shipley, who became a fan favorite last year as an amateur, will not be playing in the Masters.

Shipley earned his spot in the Masters last year by finishing second at the U.S. Amateur the year prior and he sure took advantage of his opportunity.

The Mt. Lebanon native made the cut, won low amateur honors, and even got to spend his Sunday at Augusta National playing with none other than Tiger Woods.

Shipley's playing at the Masters was also captured on Netflix's Full Swing show where he had a number of one-liners.

Following the Masters and the U.S. Open last year, Shipley turned professional and is currently playing on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he has made two cuts with a top-ten and top-15 finish. 

Shipley played in the Valspar Championship last month on the PGA Tour, shooting +1 over par and finishing tied for 47th, taking home just shy of $24,000 for the tournament. 

Amateurs in the field this week

While last year's low amateur Neal Shipley will not be in the field, there will be five amateurs competing, all hoping to catch lightning in a bottle like the Mt. Lebanon native did a year ago. 

Jose Luis Ballester and Noah Kent, the winner and runner-up from last year's U.S. Amateur Championship at Hazeltine have both received invitations to compete at Augusta this week.

Ballester and Kent will be joined by Justin Hastings, the current Latin American Amateur Champion, Evan Beck, the current U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion, and Hiroshi Tai, the current NCAA Division I Men's Individual Champion.

What will the weather be like this week at Augusta National?

With all eyes in the golf world set to tune into the Masters, many wonder what Mother Nature will have in store for the week.

A rainy and stormy Monday led to the course closing for the day after just a few hours, but the outlook is good now that the severe weather has moved out. 

For Thursday and Friday, it's likely going to be cloudy with temperatures are expected to have highs in the 70s with winds between 7-14 mph.

Saturday's forecast calls for more sunshine with temperatures in the high 60s and Sunday's final round forecast calls for more sun and high temperatures in the low 70s. 

A former champion returns to the Masters

When Angel Cabrera shows up at Augusta National this week to compete in the Masters, he'll be doing so for the first time in 5 years.

Cabrera, the 2009 Masters winner and two-time major champion hasn't been in the field at Augusta since 2019 due to being convicted of assault and spending time behind bars in Brazil and in Argentina.

He was released from prison in 2023 but was unable to compete in last year's Masters due to visa issues. 

Ahead of this year's Masters, Cabrera told The Daily Mail he regretted everything he's done wrong in his past and frustrated he made mistakes that led to losing important years of his life. 

Last weekend, Cabrera made his way back to the winner's circle for the first time since his release from prison, winning the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational on the PGA Tour Champions circuit.

Another former champion says goodbye to Augusta National

When two-time green jacket winner Bernhard Langer walks down the 18th fairway at Augusta National this week, it'll be his final time competing in the Masters.

Langer, 67, won the Masters in 1985 and 1993, will be playing in the tournament this week for the 41st time in his career.

In addition to his two wins at Augusta, Langer has three top-5 finishes, nine top-10 finishes, and made the cut in 27 of his 40 times in the field at the Masters. 

Langer recently said he loves the Masters more than any tournament in the world and is expecting his farewell at Augusta to be emotionally difficult. 

Ahead of his final competing in the Masters, Langer was gifted with personalized Mercedes-Benz. 

The customized car is decked out Masters logos, a green paint job, and Langer's signature. 

How to watch the Masters this week

Between television coverage on CBS, ESPN, and the Golf Channel and streaming via the Masters website and app, there are numerous ways to tune into the tournament this week.

Starting Thursday, the Masters website and app will provide coverage of the honorary starters, live coverage from the practice range, featured playing groups, and live coverage from designated hole groups. 

In addition to the streaming options provided by the Masters, ESPN will be providing first and second round coverage from on Thursday and Friday and CBS and Paramount+ will be providing third and final round coverage on Saturday and Sunday. 

New for this year's tournament, viewers will have the opportunity to watch every shot from every player at the practice range that will include on-screen data like swing speed, distance, and other metrics. 

Featured groups for the first round of the Masters

When the Masters gets underway on Thursday morning, there will be several featured groups made up of former champions, other major winners, and some of the best players in the world. 

Here are some of the featured groups for the day:

• 9:47 a.m. -- Collin Morikawa, Joaquin Niemann, and Min Woo Lee
• 10:15 a.m. -- Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, and Jose Luis Ballester
• 1:12 p.m. -- Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, and Akshay Bhatia
• 1:34 p.m. -- Jon Rahm, Wyndham Clark, and Tommy Fleetwood

In total, the players in the four featured groups have combined for 13 major championships. 

Davis Riley and Patton Kizzire will get the day started when they tee off Thursday at 7:40 a.m. while the last group made up Sahith Theegala, Sepp Straka, and Sam Burns will tee off at 1:45 p.m.