The 89th Masters Tournament is just around the corner. The big questions are: Can anyone stop Scottie Scheffler? Which golfers from the LIV tour might contend for the coveted green jacket? And are there any first-time players who could surprise this week?

From the top players to watch, to Masters rookies, and potential dark horses, here are five key storylines to follow this week at Augusta National.

Who Will Dominate the Headlines This Week?

Mark Schlabach: All eyes will be on the world`s top two players: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. A showdown between Scheffler and McIlroy on Sunday at Augusta National would be a thrilling narrative for golf, especially after recent years dominated by off-course issues.

Scheffler has been the most consistent player in men`s golf for the past few years. He`s aiming to join Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win the Masters three times in four years. He could also become only the fourth golfer to win consecutive green jackets, following Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.

While Scheffler had an injury setback earlier this season, McIlroy has been in excellent form, potentially making a case for being the best golfer recently. However, Scheffler`s Augusta National record speaks for itself.

McIlroy, with two wins already this season, is making his 11th attempt to win a green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam, ending a major championship drought of over a decade.

Paolo Uggetti: While Scheffler and McIlroy are rightly the focus, the intrigue of the Masters also comes from the unknown, particularly with LIV Golf players. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are two LIV players who should be considered top contenders.

Rahm is a past Masters champion, and DeChambeau won the U.S. Open last year and has had other strong major finishes. Despite their talent, it`s still uncertain how LIV players` form translates in major championships. DeChambeau proved he can still contend in majors, but his last LIV win was in 2023.

This uncertainty makes watching DeChambeau and Rahm at Augusta compelling. Rahm`s consistent LIV play and DeChambeau`s major pedigree make them fascinating storylines.

First-Timers to Watch

Schlabach: Thomas Detry, a former college star, is an interesting first-timer. He recently won his first PGA Tour event and had strong finishes in last year`s PGA Championship and U.S. Open.

While Detry is a good putter, his iron play is inconsistent, and Augusta National demands precision off the tee and on approach shots.

Aaron Rai from England is another player to watch. He has performed well in recent majors and ranks high in key statistical categories. His accuracy and recent form make him a contender.

Uggetti: Maverick McNealy is finally at the Masters after a long journey. He won the RSM Classic and has been playing very well. His strong putting and approach play should help him at Augusta.

If McNealy can drive the ball consistently and improve his short game around the greens, Augusta National could suit his strengths well.

Course Conditions and Hurricane Damage

Schlabach: The course was firm and fast before the tournament week but recent rain has softened it. However, Augusta National`s drainage system will likely ensure good playing conditions by Thursday.

Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to Augusta National, particularly to the trees. While the loss of trees is noticeable, especially on holes 1 and 9, it may not drastically change the course`s strategy for players. The 16th green was rebuilt, and other greens were also renovated.

Uggetti: Xander Schauffele noted the changed landscape at Augusta due to the hurricane damage, especially the missing trees on the 16th hole. He said it felt like playing the back nine for the first time in some ways.

Schauffele mentioned that trees served as aiming points, but their absence shouldn`t fundamentally alter how the course plays. Players will adapt to the new visual landscape.

McIlroy echoed this, noting that some tee shots look a bit different visually, but overall the course remains largely the same strategically.

LIV Golfers` Performance Expectations

Schlabach: With a dozen LIV players in the field, it`s plausible that a few could finish in the top 10. However, their recent form has been inconsistent. A recent LIV event showed that some big names struggled on a challenging course.

DeChambeau and Rahm, despite some struggles in their last event, are still capable of contending. Cameron Smith and Patrick Reed also have strong Augusta records and could be in the mix.

Uggetti: LIV players are unpredictable in majors. While some haven`t been prominent this year, players like Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Smith have the game to perform well at Augusta.

Joaquín Niemann is one LIV player to watch closely. He has multiple wins this season and is playing like a top player. Despite not having a top-10 major finish yet, this could be his week to break through.

Under-the-Radar Storyline

Schlabach: Russell Henley, currently ranked No. 7 in the world, isn`t getting enough attention. He won a strong event recently and has been consistently performing well this season.

Henley`s accuracy off the tee, strong approach play, and putting make him a great fit for Augusta. He has also improved his major championship record recently, including a top-5 finish at the 2023 Masters.

Uggetti: Collin Morikawa, ranked No. 4 in the world, seems to be flying under the radar. He`s been playing well and is leading in strokes gained: approach. He came close to winning the Masters last year and his game is arguably even better this year.

Morikawa, like McIlroy, is motivated to end a win drought. Don`t be surprised to see him in contention on Sunday.

For a deeper longshot, consider Akshay Bhatia. He`s now a top 25 player and has shown great potential. If his putting is strong this week, he could have a very good Masters.