The 2025 Masters has concluded, delivering all the excitement expected.
In a dramatic final round that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Rory McIlroy secured victory with a birdie on the first playoff hole against Justin Rose, achieving a career Grand Slam. The top finishers included Patrick Reed in third place, Scottie Scheffler in fourth, and Sungjae Im and Bryson DeChambeau tied for fifth.
What implications does this victory hold for McIlroy`s season going forward? Who else impressed at the Masters? And who are the frontrunners for the upcoming majors, starting with the PGA Championship in May?
Here are some of the most significant questions emerging from the Masters as we look ahead to the remainder of the 2025 golf season.
Rory McIlroy`s Next Steps After Masters Triumph
After a long-awaited Masters victory, completing the career Grand Slam and ending a major championship drought of over a decade, one wonders if this win will unleash Rory`s full potential.
McIlroy has long been recognized as one of golf`s most gifted and accomplished players, with over 50 global wins and more than 100 weeks at world No. 1.
His major drought since the 2014 PGA Championship might have been the only thing preventing him from being universally recognized among the greatest golfers ever, alongside legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods.
Now, with the Masters burden lifted, McIlroy can approach every major, especially at Augusta, with newfound freedom.
`Today was challenging,` McIlroy admitted post-round. `I was incredibly nervous this morning, particularly on the first hole which showed with the double bogey. But I recovered, demonstrating the resilience I`ve often spoken about.`
`This victory was a significant weight off my shoulders, and I`m relieved to no longer carry it. Knowing I`ll return here every year is a wonderful feeling.`
Before any questions were posed at his press conference, McIlroy, smiling, asked the media, `What will we discuss next year?`
Rest assured, Rory, the conversation has already shifted to how many more majors you might accumulate, not just in your career, but this year alone. However, considering the immediate aftermath of this victory, how will McIlroy manage the emotional comedown?
McIlroy`s emotional response on the 18th green Sunday underscored the immense pressure he had overcome. While this victory should liberate him to pursue further major wins, golf is a sport where each tournament begins anew.
McIlroy`s dedication to the process during his 11-year major wait, especially in recent years, has been evident. To continue his success in PGA Tour wins and majors, it will be interesting to see if his hunger remains as intense.
The positive news is that McIlroy is arguably playing the best golf of anyone currently, and the upcoming major venues—Quail Hollow (a four-time win for him), Oakmont, and Royal Portrush (his home course)—seem favorable for his game.
Other Key Takeaways from the Masters
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, while not at his peak, still performed strongly, finishing fourth at 8 under. Scheffler`s iron play was slightly off, and he struggled to build momentum until a Sunday 69 almost put him in contention as McIlroy faltered on the back nine.
Scheffler hit 62% of greens and 71% of fairways over the tournament. Statistically, among those who made the cut, he ranked 26th in approach shots gained and 58th off the tee.
`I could have easily been frustrated with my play or swing this week,` Scheffler stated. `But I`m proud of how I competed and stayed in the fight… Mentally, this was my best performance all year, even if my game wasn`t quite there.`
Scheffler aimed to join Nicklaus as the only golfers to win three Masters in four years.
The race for world No. 1 between McIlroy and Scheffler will be compelling. While Scheffler dominated in 2024, he`s yet to win this year. McIlroy is mirroring Scheffler`s previous year with wins at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Players Championship, and now the Masters.
Despite divisions in professional golf, major championships remain compelling. Four times a year, the best golfers from different tours compete, creating captivating narratives.
Since LIV Golf`s inception, the rivalry narrative has shifted towards the intrigue of these major meetings, showcasing top talent in high-stakes competition.
This Masters, like recent majors, highlighted top performers, delivering dramatic finishes and deserving champions. Majors still hold significant prestige and excitement.
While reunification in golf is hoped for, majors currently offer heightened drama and consistently deliver memorable tournaments.
Biggest Surprises from the Masters
Beyond McIlroy, notable performances came from veterans Zach Johnson and Bubba Watson.
Johnson, 49, ranked 289th globally after a challenging 2024. Despite limited play and a right elbow injury, the 2007 Masters champion shot a Saturday 66, tying for eighth—his best PGA Tour finish since 2021.
`I still believe in my abilities,` Johnson commented.
Watson, 46, from LIV Golf, had a modest season start. However, the two-time Masters winner matched his career low with a Sunday 68, tying for 14th—his best Augusta finish since 2019.
Watson leveraged his 17th Masters appearance and course expertise.
`Experience always helps,` Watson noted, `though it`s less impactful as you age.`
Outside of McIlroy, Max Homa`s tied-for-12th finish is noteworthy.
Homa sought a positive week after missing five consecutive cuts. He openly discussed his swing struggles.
His solution? Playing Augusta National for four days, breaking par in each round.
`This has been tough,` Homa admitted after making the cut. `It feels good to perform here.`
Homa`s comfort at Augusta was evident. Following a third-place tie last year, his T-12 secures a 2026 invitation.
Homa seeks consistency and wins. `Tough times pass; tough people endure,` Homa said. `It`s just one tournament. Stay positive.`
Biggest Disappointments at the Masters
With PGA Tour and LIV Golf reconciliation uncertain, only three more majors will feature all top golfers this season.
While several big names missed the Masters cut, LIV Golf captains Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson were prominent disappointments.
Koepka, a five-time major winner, missed the cut after a second-round quadruple-bogey. He`s been outside the top 25 in his last six majors.
Johnson, a past Masters and U.S. Open champion, also missed the cut. He has struggled in majors recently, missing cuts in four of his last six starts.
Smith`s LIV move was surprising given his peak form after winning the 2023 Open Championship. His major performances have since been inconsistent.
Early Favorites for Upcoming Majors
McIlroy may be favored at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in May, a course where he has won four times. A sixth major and third PGA title are plausible.
Scheffler is expected to contend at the U.S. Open at Oakmont in June. Oakmont`s challenging layout suits precise players. Scheffler is unlikely to go majorless this year.
McIlroy will also be a favorite at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July, though he struggled there in 2019. Keep an eye on Shane Lowry, the previous Royal Portrush Open winner, who is also playing well.
Adding to Mark`s favorites, Ludvig Åberg is one to watch. He has consecutive top-10 Masters finishes and suits various major setups. Åberg can compete with top players.
Xander Schauffele, despite recent injury, showed resilience at Augusta with a T-8 finish and should also be considered.
Bryson DeChambeau remains a threat, especially at courses like Quail Hollow and Oakmont that reward distance.
