A message from the editor, Neil Tappin:
There are a handful of golfing experiences that those of us prone to hyperbole and soppy enough to actually say it, would describe as ‘spiritual’. I’m lucky enough to have experienced two of these.
The first came in September 1999. I had received a place at the University of St Andrews to read English. My first sight of the giant square of lush green that encroaches on the town and creates a quasi-stadium effect for the 1st and 18th holes was the day before I officially enrolled. Walking down from the far end of The Scores, I could see The R&A clubhouse in the foreground with the golf course stretching out behind it. It was a tantalising first glimpse.
The second was in April 2008. I’d been at Golf Monthly for about four years and had been given the much-sought-after nod to attend The Masters. Having arrived at the course, I made my way down the hill from the 10th towards Amen Corner. Below you, in the distance but in ultra-high definition technicolour, is the 12th green. There wasn’t a breath of wind or a blade of grass out of place. Seeing it for the first time was a moment I’ll never forget.
All of this blurry-eyed nostalgia leads me to the main thrust of this issue, the 2025 Masters. Regardless of what the weather is doing outside right now, this issue has been created to wrap you up in a warm Augusta glow, ready for the biggest show in the golfing calendar. Bill Elliott’s beautifully written preview on page 40 is complemented by features with two of the obvious front runners, Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler. We also have an intriguing roundtable discussion with three renowned caddies that highlights the unique challenge in store.
See below for more highlights from the issue...
FREE Travel Mag
Our team of experienced travel writers has been hard at it finding some of the best places you can jet off to this year. If you're desperate for a bit of sunshine mixed with some top-quality golf then you've come to the right place...
Masters Special
With The Masters just around the corner, we devote 30 pages to previewing one of the highlights of the golfing calendar...
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler has been dominant at Augusta National over the past few years. We look at his upbringing, his career to date and his skill set to ponder whether Jack Nicklaus’ Masters record of six wins could be in reach…
Bryson DeChambeau Exclusive
Bryson DeChambeau talks about his desire to win a Green Jacket, his chances at Augusta, last year’s US Open, becoming a YouTube personality and more…
Knowing The Lie Of The Land
Between them, Billy Foster, Ricci Roberts and Terry Mundy have caddied in more than 70 Masters. Here, they share their memories of Augusta National and offer some insight as to what exactly goes on inside the ropes at the world-famous course….
Tee-To-Green Masterclass
Top 50 Coach Steve North shows you how to tidy up your game from tee to green. If you’re just returning from a winter break, this is sure to help you quickly shake off that early-season rust.
The Hottest New Gear
Our expert gear team runs the rule over the best new releases, pits two of 2025's best drivers against each other, reveals our pick of the new crop of fairway woods and much more...
The Best Courses You Can Play
Our team of course experts travel the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to bring you a mix of well-known clubs and hidden gems to add to your wish list.
