Scheffler, McIlroy chase history at Masters

AUGUSTA – Thunderstorms are forecast to disrupt the start of the 88th Masters at Augusta National on Thursday as world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and second-ranked Rory McIlroy tee off in a dream first-round pairing.

Honorary starters Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson are due to get proceedings under way at 7:40 a.m., with the first group teeing off 20 minutes later.

However, Masters organizers said late Wednesday that gate openings for Thursday’s first round would be delayed due to weather, a clear sign that play will also be held up.

Scheffler, seeking his second title in three seasons, was in a group with four-time major winner McIlroy, who would complete a career grand slam with a Masters triumph, and Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele, chasing his first major victory.

By taking the green jacket, McIlroy would join a select group including Tiger Woods, Nicklaus, Player, Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan. McIlroy has not won a major in 10 years but has learned he needs patience at Augusta National.

Scheffler, who won twice and finished second last month in PGA events, could join Woods as the only players to win the Masters twice while atop the rankings.

Fifth-ranked Schauffele hopes to lose the tag as the highest-rated player without a major title.