From Scheffler To Nicklaus: The Definitive List Of Masters Winners, Records, And The Shocking 2025 Controversy

The Masters Tournament, held annually at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, remains the most revered event in professional golf, a tradition defined by the pursuit of the coveted Green Jacket. As of today, December 11, 2025, the focus remains on the dominant performance of the most recent champion, Scottie Scheffler, who secured his second title in a thrilling 2024 finish, solidifying his place as the current world number one and the man to beat.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the champions who have defined the modern era of the tournament, from the most recent victors to the legends who hold the unbreakable records. We also dive into the highly anticipated 2025 Masters, scheduled for April 10-13, examining the favorites, the betting odds, and a surprising controversy surrounding a former winner's invitation.

The New Era of Masters Champions: 2021–2024 Profiles

The last four years of the Masters have delivered a perfect blend of historic breakthroughs and the emergence of a new dominant force. The recent champions have not only added their names to the history books but have also set the stage for an electrifying 2025 tournament.

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• 2024: Scottie Scheffler (USA)
  • Score: 277 (-11)
  • Profile: Scheffler secured his second Green Jacket in three years, showcasing a level of composure and dominance rarely seen since the prime of Tiger Woods. His 2024 victory cemented his status as the premier golfer in the world.
• 2023: Jon Rahm (Spain)
  • Score: 276 (-12)
  • Profile: Rahm’s victory was a testament to his powerful game, making him the fourth Spaniard to win the Masters, following in the footsteps of his idol, Seve Ballesteros, and José María Olazábal. His win came with a score of 12-under-par.
• 2022: Scottie Scheffler (USA)
  • Score: 278 (-10)
  • Profile: This marked Scheffler's first major championship win, a wire-to-wire victory that propelled him to the top of the world golf rankings. The win was a defining moment in his young career.
• 2021: Hideki Matsuyama (Japan)
  • Score: 278 (-10)
  • Profile: Matsuyama made history as the first Japanese male golfer to win a major championship, a monumental moment for the sport in Asia. His final round performance was a masterclass in pressure management.

The All-Time Masters Legends and Unbreakable Records

While the recent winners have set a high bar, the history of the Masters is defined by the incredible achievements of its all-time champions. These are the records and entities that form the bedrock of Augusta National’s legacy.

The Golden Bear and The Tiger: Most Masters Wins

The conversation about Masters dominance begins and ends with two names: Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Their records are the benchmark for every aspiring champion.

• Jack Nicklaus (6 Wins): The Golden Bear holds the all-time record with six Green Jackets (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986). His 1986 victory at the age of 46 years, 2 months, and 23 days makes him the oldest Masters champion in history, an astonishing feat of longevity.
• Tiger Woods (5 Wins): Woods is second on the list, winning five times (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019). His first victory in 1997 made him the youngest Masters champion ever, at 21 years old, and he won by a record margin of 12 strokes.
• Arnold Palmer (4 Wins): "The King" won four times (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964), helping to popularize the tournament in the early television era.

The Statistical Milestones of Augusta National

Beyond the multi-time champions, other records highlight the extraordinary performances required to conquer the course.

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• Lowest 72-Hole Score: Dustin Johnson, 268 (-20) in 2020. Johnson’s performance in the unique November tournament (due to the pandemic) set a new standard for scoring at Augusta.
• Largest Margin of Victory: Tiger Woods, 12 strokes in 1997. This record is considered one of the most untouchable in golf history.
• First-Time Winners: Fuzzy Zoeller was the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt in 1979. This highlights the immense difficulty for newcomers to master the course’s subtle complexities.
• Wire-to-Wire Champions: Only five golfers have won the tournament leading after every single round: Craig Wood (1941), Arnold Palmer (1960), Jack Nicklaus (1972), Raymond Floyd (1976), and Jordan Spieth (2015).

The Road to Augusta 2025: Odds, Favorites, and Controversies

With the 2025 Masters Tournament scheduled for April 10-13, the golf world is already buzzing with predictions, betting odds, and an unexpected debate over a former champion's presence.

The Favorites and Betting Odds

Early betting markets place a strong emphasis on the established dominance of the current elite. While odds are subject to change, the top favorites for the 2025 Green Jacket include:

• Scottie Scheffler: The two-time champion remains the clear favorite, with his consistent ball-striking and mastery of the Augusta National layout making him the consensus pick.
• Rory McIlroy: The perennial contender and career Grand Slam hopeful is always a top pick. His intention to finally capture the elusive Green Jacket drives much of the pre-tournament narrative.
• Jon Rahm: The 2023 champion is a powerful contender whose recent shift to the LIV Golf tour has not diminished his standing as a major threat at Augusta.
• Other Entities to Watch: Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, and Xander Schauffele are consistently mentioned as strong contenders who possess the major-winning pedigree to triumph.

The Controversial 2025 Invitation

A recent point of contention and topical interest has been the invitation extended to 2009 Masters champion Angel Cabrera for the 2025 tournament. Cabrera, an Argentine golfer, is a lifetime invitee due to his past victory. However, his return has been polarizing following his recent release from a two-year prison sentence in Argentina for domestic violence charges.

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The decision by Augusta National to allow Cabrera to compete has sparked a fierce debate among fans and media, highlighting the complex relationship between sporting tradition and moral accountability. Cabrera's presence is expected to be one of the most discussed storylines leading up to and during the tournament, adding a layer of drama to the event.

The Master's Legacy and Topical Authority

The Masters is more than just a golf tournament; it is a cultural institution that generates immense topical authority every year. The winners—from the legendary Jack Nicklaus to the modern hero Scottie Scheffler—are forever etched into sports history. The tournament’s traditions, like Butler Cabin and Amen Corner, combined with the constant pursuit of the lowest-ever score, ensure that the Masters remains the ultimate proving ground in golf. The 2025 event promises to continue this legacy, with the world watching to see who will be the next champion to slip on the revered Green Jacket.