The United States Scottie Sheffler is looking to become the first back-to-back Masters winner since Tiger Woods in 2002 in an event that will see competitors from LIV Golf taking part ©Getty Images

America's defending champion Scottie Sheffler, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, and Spaniard Jon Rahm have been tipped as the top title challengers to be awarded the famous green jacket for winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in the United States.

The tournament, scheduled to run from tomorrow until Sunday (April 9), is golf's first major of the year and is due to be the 87th edition of an event launched in 1930 by amateur champion Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts.

A total of 88 golfers are registered to start the week with the scorecard showing a par 72 that stretches to a total of 7,545 yards.

The biggest change since last year is the addition of a new tee box at the 13th hole which is has been moved back by 35 yards.

McIlroy is still searching for his maiden victory at the Masters, which is his last major title to win, after finishing as runner-up last year.

Despite this, the 33-year-old is fifth on the tournament's all-time money list and had a top 10 finish in all four majors last year, as well as winning the Dubai Desert Classic in January.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is still in search of a first victory at the Masters, the only major he is yet to win, after finishing as runner-up last year ©Getty Images
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is still in search of a first victory at the Masters, the only major he is yet to win, after finishing as runner-up last year ©Getty Images

Sheffler also goes into the competition in good form, but reigning champions have historically not fared well.

Of the last eight, six have finished outside of the top 35 with three of those being missed cuts. 

The last player to win back-to-back at the Masters was Sheffler's compatriot Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002.

Woods is also set to compete this year in search of a record-equalling sixth win alongside Jack Nicklaus.

Rahm clinched his first major at the 2021 US Open and has won three of five starts to begin this year.

There is set to be a rivalry played out between the PGA Tour players and those who joined the breakaway Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit last year.

A total of 18 "LIV rebels" are due to compete with Australia's Open champion Cameron Smith leading the way.

His best finish at the Masters was second place in 2020, which was then followed by 10th and third-place results in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Australia's Cameron Smith is one of 18 LIV Golf players set to play at the Masters ©Getty Images
Australia's Cameron Smith is one of 18 LIV Golf players set to play at the Masters ©Getty Images

Another "rebel", Brooks Koepka, a four-time major winner, is also searching for a first glory at the Masters but is relishing the reunion.

"It'll just be good to see all the good players playing again in the same field," he said.

"It's the first time we'll have seen it in a long time and it's exciting.

"I do miss playing against Rory and Scottie and I'm sure they miss playing against us.

"That's going to make Augusta even more special.

"If a LIV player does win, I think it will be a huge statement for LIV."

LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman has claimed a player from the tour winning would spark a group celebration on the final green.