Gabby Herzig is confident that although Rory McIlroy enters the 2025 Masters as a hot topic and popular pick, he will ultimately fall short. While acknowledging McIlroy is producing some of the most disciplined golf of his career—demonstrated by victories at both Pebble Beach and a Players Championship this season—Herzig argues Augusta National has consistently produced unpredictable outcomes from McIlroy. Despite McIlroy’s newfound versatility and exceptional form, including mastery of low bulletproof iron shots perfect for windy conditions, Herzig forecasted either a surprising missed cut or painful near-miss on Sunday. She believes it's destined to be another agonizing close call rather than a coveted green jacket for McIlroy this year.

Gabby Herzig identified Will Zalatoris as an appealing long-shot to win the 2025 Masters, despite recent form misleadingly suggesting otherwise. Herzig noted Zalatoris' history at Augusta, finishing second in 2021 and tied for sixth in 2022 prior to surgery-induced struggles in 2023. Even post-surgery, Zalatoris managed a commendable T9 finish in the 2024 Masters. Although ranked No. 63 globally and appearing inconsistent this year, Zalatoris showed significant stretches of elite performance at the Players Championship, reaching second place mid-tournament under extremely challenging, windy conditions. Herzig believes the narrative around Zalatoris masks strong underlying play, making him a clear sleeper whose affinity for Augusta National could finally lead to victory.