The 2025 Masters concluded with excitement as Rory McIlroy secured a dramatic victory.
In a thrilling final round and subsequent playoff, McIlroy birdied the first playoff hole, defeating Justin Rose and achieving a career Grand Slam. The top finishers included Patrick Reed in third, Scottie Scheffler in fourth, and Sungjae Im and Bryson DeChambeau tied for fifth.
This victory prompts questions about McIlroy`s trajectory for the remainder of the season, standout performers, and favorites for upcoming majors, starting with the PGA Championship in May.
Here are key questions arising from the Masters, looking ahead to the rest of the 2025 golf season.
Rory McIlroy`s Next Steps After Masters Win
Analysis: After a long-awaited Masters win, completing his career Grand Slam and ending a decade-long major drought, McIlroy`s career could see a significant boost.
McIlroy is recognized as a highly talented golfer, with numerous global wins and a significant tenure as world No. 1. However, his last major win in 2014 PGA Championship potentially hindered his placement among golf`s all-time greats, like Nicklaus, Palmer, and Woods.
Now, free from the pressure of chasing the career Grand Slam, McIlroy can approach majors with renewed ease, especially at Augusta.
McIlroy acknowledged the pressure relief after his win, expressing excitement for future Masters appearances without the same burden.
Post-victory, McIlroy himself shifted focus to future major wins, indicating his ambition for continued success this year and beyond. While the Masters win is a significant achievement, golf`s nature demands a fresh start at each tournament. It remains to be seen how McIlroy`s motivation evolves after achieving this major milestone.
Currently, McIlroy`s performance is top-tier, and upcoming major venues, including Quail Hollow, Oakmont, and Royal Portrush, appear favorable for his playing style.
Other Takeaways from the Masters
Analysis: Despite not being at his peak, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler still finished fourth at the Masters. His iron play was slightly off, and momentum was elusive until a strong final round.
Scheffler`s stats at the Masters included hitting 62% of greens in regulation and 71% of fairways. His strokes gained metrics were less impressive than usual.
Scheffler reflected on his mental fortitude during the week, despite his game not being optimal. He was aiming to join Nicklaus as the only golfers to win three Masters in four years.
The season will be interesting to watch if McIlroy challenges Scheffler`s world No. 1 ranking. Scheffler dominated in 2024 but is yet to win this year, while McIlroy is gaining momentum with three victories, including the Masters.
The Masters, like other majors, highlights the compelling nature of these events, bringing together top players and storylines. Despite divisions in the golf world, majors consistently deliver drama and deserving winners.
Majors continue to be the most prestigious tournaments, maintaining intrigue and significance. While future reunification in golf is hoped for, majors currently stand out as the pinnacle events.
Top Performers Beyond McIlroy
Analysis: Beyond McIlroy, veteran Masters champions Zach Johnson and Bubba Watson showed strong performances.
Johnson, ranked 289th, had a notable Masters, tying for eighth. Despite a prior slump and injury, he carded a 6-under 66 on Saturday, his best Augusta round, signaling a potential resurgence as he approaches 50 and the Champions Tour.
Watson, from LIV Golf, also performed well, tying for 14th. His knowledge of Augusta National contributed to his best finish there since 2019, indicating his continued competitiveness at this course.
Max Homa also had a positive week, finishing tied for 12th after overcoming a series of missed cuts. Augusta National seemed to suit his game, securing him an invite for next year`s Masters and offering a foundation for improved consistency.
Biggest Disappointments
Analysis: The lack of progress in reunifying PGA Tour and LIV Golf means fewer events where all top golfers compete. At the Masters, notable LIV Golf players like Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson missed the cut.
Koepka, despite his major wins, struggled and missed the cut. Johnson, a past Masters and U.S. Open champion, also missed the cut, continuing a trend of underperformance in majors. Smith, who moved to LIV Golf after a successful 2023, has also seen mixed results in majors recently.
Early Favorites for Upcoming Majors
Analysis: McIlroy is likely favored for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, a course where he has a strong winning history. His recent Masters win adds to his momentum.
Scheffler is expected to contend strongly at the U.S. Open at Oakmont, a course demanding precision, aligning with Scheffler`s strengths. Despite a less successful Masters, he remains a top contender for majors.
McIlroy is also a sentimental favorite for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, his home course. However, Shane Lowry, the previous Open winner at Royal Portrush, is also a strong contender.
Ludvig Åberg is highlighted as a rising star, consistently performing well in majors and suited to various course setups. Xander Schauffele, despite recent injury, is also considered a contender, along with Bryson DeChambeau, especially at venues like Quail Hollow and Oakmont that favor his distance.
