There is nothing that can prepare a golfer for the nerves and pressure of playing the back nine at Augusta National Golf Club trying to close out a win at The Masters for the first time. But artificial intelligence was willing to give it a try ahead of the 2025 tournament.
USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to run a simulation of the 2025 Masters ahead of Thursday’s first-round tee times and it projects one of the top golfers in the world to win his first green jacket.
In full disclosure, the simulation wasn’t flawless. In its description of how the 2025 Masters plays out, it featured commentary about Woods ‘making a remarkable comeback’ and ‘thrilling fans with his resilience.’ It did not predict Woods to be in contention during the weekend.
Woods, of course, recently underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles and won’t play at this year’s Masters. He did, though, pull an April Fools’ Day prank earlier this month on social media in which he joked that he had made a miraculous comeback in a matter of weeks.
Perhaps the only one fooled was AI thanks to the wave of internet headlines Woods’ post generated. Or maybe it just longs to see Woods play at Augusta National again like the rest of the golf world.
Regardless, here’s a breakdown of how Microsoft Copilot AI predicts the 2025 Masters will go, including a tournament winner and potential sleepers based on BetMGM odds:
Masters 2025 predictions: AI picks tournament winner
Here’s what it predicts the top of the leaderboard will look like at the end of the tournament:
- 1. Collin Morikawa: -15
- 2. Jon Rahm: -14
- 3. Scottie Scheffler: -13
- 4. Rory McIlroy: -12
- 5. Jordan Spieth: -11
Masters predictions: AI simulation of 2025 tournament
Here’s a recap of how it predicts golf’s first major will play out this year:
Round 1 (Thursday)
AI predicts the opening round of the 2025 Masters will feature ‘perfect weather conditions’ and projects Scheffler to shoot a first round score of 4-under 68 to move into the top five of the leaderboard. The simulation also believes McIlroy and Rahm will get off to solid starts, with each finishing at 3-under par.
Round 2 (Friday)
AI thinks the leaderboard will shift as the second round progresses on Friday and predicts Morikawa to showcase ‘his precision and calm under pressure’ by shooting a 6-under 66 to move into contention. It believes Spieth and Justin Thomas will trail close behind by shooting 5-under 67s and Scheffler will remain steady with the tournament leaders by carding a 3-under 69.
Round 3 (Saturday)
AI predicts an eventful moving day, led by Rahm shooting to the top of the leaderboard by firing a 7-under 65 on Saturday. McIlroy is projected to be right behind him, while Morikawa ‘falters slightly,’ according to the AI simulation, with a third round 71. Scheffler and Spieth each stay in contention to create some star-studded final groups heading into Sunday’s final round.
Final round (Sunday)
AI predicts the final round will be ‘a nail-biter.’ Rahm and McIlroy battle it out, both shooting 68, and Scheffler makes a run at back-to-back titles on the back nine. But it’s Morikawa, according to the AI simulation, ‘who steals the show with a clutch 65, securing his first Masters victory. The crowd erupts as he sinks the final putt, finishing at 15-under.’
Masters 2025 odds: AI picks best sleepers
Here’s who it suggested as ‘intriguing’ options, as well as AI-generated analysis for each golfer, based on 2025 Masters odds:
BetMGM odds as of Wednesday, April 9
- Joaquin Niemann (+3000): ‘Niemann has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to make a deep run at Augusta. His aggressive play style and ability to score low could make him a dark horse.’
- Russell Henley (+4000): ‘Henley has been in excellent form, with four top-10 finishes in just seven starts this season. His recent win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational showcased his strong iron play and improved putting.’
- Corey Conners (+5000): ‘Conners is another player to watch, having posted three consecutive top-eight finishes. His consistency and ability to handle pressure make him a solid longshot.’
- Will Zalatoris (+5000): ‘Zalatoris has a remarkable record at Augusta National, with three top-10 finishes in his three appearances. His familiarity with the course and competitive spirit could lead to a surprise victory.’
- Patrick Reed (+6600): ‘Reed, a former Masters champion, has the skill and experience to navigate Augusta’s challenges. His competitive nature and familiarity with the course could lead to a strong performance.’
- Dustin Johnson (+8000): ‘Despite longer odds, Johnson’s experience and past success at the Masters make him a sleeper pick. His powerful drives and calm demeanor under pressure are assets that could see him contend.’