Rory McIlroy was overlooked for Scottie Scheffler as Thomas Detry named his ideal practice partners ahead of the Masters (Image: Getty)
Thomas Detry overlooked while selecting his dream practice partners for the upcoming The first major of the year at Augusta National is on the horizon. Detry, 32, is seen as a potential contender following his impressive seven-shot victory at the WM Phoenix Open, his first PGA Tour title.
The 2025 Masters will be Detry’s debut at Augusta, making his preparation crucial. When asked to choose his ideal practice partners for the challenging course, Detry picked three players who collectively have eight Masters titles under their belts. Speaking on he said: Jordan Spieth and Tiger, I’ve never actually really met him, so I don’t know him. But it seems like he knows a thing or two about Augusta.”
Woods boasts five Masters titles, Scheffler has worn the famous Green Jacket twice and Spieth was the champion of the 2015 tournament. Besides their familiarity with the course, Detry chose Scheffler and Spieth for another reason – all three are fathers to young children.
“Jordan and Scottie, basically because we can talk baby all day,” he chuckled. “That’s what our wives talk about so maybe we can talk about babies all day.”
While Detry may not have considered McIlroy, who is still awaiting his first Masters title, they could potentially bond later this year. The Belgian is a strong contender to secure a European Ryder Cup berth at the 2025 tournament at Bethpage Black in New York.
He is sixth in the rankings, which is currently headed by McIlroy. The top six players in the ranking list after August’s British Masters will automatically qualify for the European team. The other six places will be captain’s picks by Luke Donald.
Detry after winning last month’s WM Phoenix Open 2025 (Image: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
While Detry, McIlroy, Scheffler and Spieth will be participating at the Masters, Woods will not after suffering another injury blow. The golf legend, who hasn’t taken part in any PGA Tour events this year, confirmed on Tuesday that he has been under the knife to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon.
McIlroy does not expect to see his friend Speaking ahead of the current Players Championship, the Northern Irishman said: “It sucks. He doesn’t have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body.
“Obviously he was trying to ramp up to get ready for Augusta, and Achilles surgeries obviously aren’t fun. Hoping he’s in good spirits and hoping he’s doing okay. We obviously won’t see him play golf this year, and hopefully we see him maybe play in 2026.”