The 2025 Masters tournament has concluded, delivering an exciting competition.
In a dramatic final round, Rory McIlroy secured a birdie on the first playoff hole, defeating Justin Rose and 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.
This victory raises significant questions about McIlroy`s prospects for the remainder of the season. Who else impressed at the Masters? And who are the leading contenders for the upcoming major championships, starting with the PGA Championship in May?
Here are some of the main questions arising from the Masters as we look ahead to the rest of the 2025 golf season.
What`s Next for Rory McIlroy This Year?
Analysis by Mark Schlabach: After a long-awaited Masters victory, completing his career Grand Slam and ending a major championship drought of over a decade, could this be the breakthrough moment for McIlroy`s career?
McIlroy has long been recognized as one of golf`s most talented and accomplished players, with over 50 global wins and a reign of over 100 weeks as world No. 1.
However, his major wins had been stagnant since the 2014 PGA Championship, potentially hindering his place among the all-time golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods.
Now, with the pressure of completing the Grand Slam lifted, McIlroy may find newfound freedom, especially returning to Augusta National.
Reflecting on his win, McIlroy admitted to immense nervousness, particularly at the start, but highlighted his resilience in overcoming challenges. He acknowledged the `heavy weight` now removed, expressing relief and anticipation for future Masters.
Paolo Uggetti`s Perspective: In his post-victory press conference, McIlroy playfully asked the media about next year`s talking points, signaling a shift in focus to future achievements. The conversation is already turning to how many more majors McIlroy can accumulate, not just in his career, but this year itself. However, it`s worth considering how McIlroy will manage the emotional comedown from such a significant victory.
His emotional reaction on the 18th green underscored the magnitude of this win. While this victory could liberate him to pursue more major titles, golf`s nature means each tournament starts anew.
McIlroy has shown unwavering commitment to improvement during his 11-year major drought, particularly recently. As he aims for more PGA Tour and major wins, it will be interesting to see if his motivation remains as intense.
The positive outlook is that McIlroy is currently playing exceptional golf, and the upcoming major venues—Quail Hollow (a course where he has won four times), Oakmont, and Royal Portrush (his home course)—appear favorable for his game.
Beyond McIlroy`s Win: Key Takeaways from the Masters
Schlabach`s Insight: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, while not at his peak, still managed a solo fourth-place finish at 8-under. His usually stellar iron play was slightly off, and momentum was elusive until a Sunday 69 briefly put him in contention as McIlroy faced challenges on the back nine.
Scheffler hit 62% of greens in regulation and 71% of fairways. His strokes gained statistics were less impressive compared to his usual standards.
Scheffler expressed pride in his mental fortitude throughout the week, despite his game not being at its sharpest. He was aiming to join Nicklaus as the only golfers to win three green jackets in four years.
The season will be interesting to watch as McIlroy could challenge Scheffler`s world No. 1 ranking. While Scheffler dominated in 2024, he is yet to win this year, whereas McIlroy is mirroring Scheffler`s previous year with three significant victories including the Masters.
Uggetti`s Viewpoint: Despite the division in professional golf, major championships remain compelling. Four times a year, the best golfers from different tours compete, creating captivating narratives.
The initial rivalry narrative between LIV Golf and PGA Tour has evolved into richer storylines focused on top players competing on major stages.
This Masters, similar to recent majors, highlighted top-tier talent, delivering dramatic conclusions and deserving champions. Majors continue to hold significant intrigue and influence in golf.
While reunification in golf remains a possibility for the future, majors are currently more prominent and continue to be highly engaging.
Who Were the Biggest Winners (Besides McIlroy) at the Masters?
Schlabach`s Picks: Beyond McIlroy, veteran former Masters champions Zach Johnson and Bubba Watson stood out.
Johnson, ranked 289th, had struggled recently. After focusing on his son`s high school football and considering the PGA Tour Champions, his strong Masters performance was notable.
Despite a right elbow injury, the 2007 Masters winner shot a Saturday 66, tying for eighth—his best PGA Tour finish since 2021. Johnson expressed renewed confidence in his game.
Watson, from LIV Golf, also had a strong showing. Despite modest LIV Golf results, the two-time Masters champion tied for 14th, his best Augusta finish since 2019. Watson cited course knowledge as an advantage.
Uggetti`s Selection: Max Homa is another winner, finishing tied for 12th. After a series of missed cuts, Homa found form at Augusta, breaking par in every round.
Homa, who had been candid about his swing struggles, seems to have found comfort at Augusta National. His T-12 finish secures an invitation to next year`s Masters.
While Homa seeks consistency and wins, this Masters was a significant positive step. He emphasized resilience, viewing each event as a fresh opportunity.
Biggest Disappointments from the Masters
Schlabach`s Observation: With no apparent resolution between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, opportunities to see all top golfers compete remain limited to the majors.
While several big names missed the cut, LIV Golf captains Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson were particularly notable.
Koepka, a multiple major winner, missed the cut after a disastrous 18th hole in the second round. His recent major performances have been outside the top 25.
Johnson, a past Masters and U.S. Open champion, also missed the cut. He has struggled in recent majors.
Smith`s move to LIV Golf was surprising given his peak form, including winning the 2023 Open Championship. His major results since have been mixed.
Early Favorites for Upcoming Majors
Schlabach`s Predictions: McIlroy is likely the favorite for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, a course where he has won multiple times. Another major win for McIlroy next month is plausible.
Scheffler is expected to regain winning form before the U.S. Open at Oakmont, a course favoring precise players. Scheffler is unlikely to go majorless this season.
McIlroy will also be a sentimental favorite at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, though he had a tough experience there in 2019. Shane Lowry, the previous Open winner at Royal Portrush, is also a strong contender.
Uggetti`s Additional Names: Ludvig Åberg, with consistent top-10 Masters finishes, is a rising contender for majors, suited to various course setups.
Xander Schauffele, despite recent injury recovery, showed resilience at the Masters and remains a threat.
Bryson DeChambeau, despite his Masters setback, will remain a major threat, particularly at courses like Quail Hollow and Oakmont that suit his power game.
