The 2025 Masters was a memorable tournament.
In a dramatic final round, Rory McIlroy secured a birdie on the first playoff hole, defeating Justin Rose and achieving a career Grand Slam. Patrick Reed finished third, Scottie Scheffler fourth, and Sungjae Im and Bryson DeChambeau tied for fifth.
What does this victory mean for McIlroy`s season going forward? Who else impressed? And who are the favorites for the upcoming majors, starting with the PGA Championship in May?
Here are some of the biggest questions arising from the Masters and looking ahead to the remainder of the 2025 golf season.
What`s Next for Rory After This Win?
Mark Schlabach: After finally winning the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam, ending a long major championship drought, it could be a turning point for Rory`s career.
McIlroy has been a leading golfer of his generation, with numerous victories worldwide and holding the No. 1 world ranking for over 100 weeks.
His major drought since the 2014 PGA Championship might have held him back from being considered among the absolute greatest like Nicklaus, Palmer, and Woods.
Now, McIlroy no longer carries the pressure of completing the Grand Slam, especially at Augusta.
`It was tough today,` McIlroy admitted after his round. `I was incredibly nervous this morning, especially on the first hole with the double bogey. But I recovered and showed resilience.`
`It was a heavy burden lifted, and I`m relieved. I look forward to returning here each year.`
Paolo Uggetti: Even before questions at the press conference, McIlroy asked the media, `What will we talk about next year?`
The focus has already shifted to how many more majors he can win, not just overall, but this year. However, it`s worth considering how McIlroy will manage the emotional high of this victory.
His reaction on the 18th green showed the immense relief. While this win could free him up for more major wins, golf is a sport where each tournament is a fresh start.
McIlroy has been dedicated to his process for over a decade to give himself chances at majors. Now, it will be interesting to see if his hunger for wins and majors remains as strong.
The positive aspect is that he`s currently playing exceptional golf, and the upcoming major venues – Quail Hollow, Oakmont, and Royal Portrush (his home course) – seem favorable for his game.
Beyond Rory, What`s the Biggest Masters Takeaway?
Schlabach: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, despite not being at his peak, still finished fourth at 8 under. His iron play was slightly off, and he struggled to build momentum until a Sunday 69 put him briefly in contention.
Scheffler hit 62% of greens and 71% of fairways. He ranked 26th in strokes gained: approach (.630) and 58th in strokes gained: off the tee (-.110) among players who made the cut.
`I could have been frustrated with my game this week,` Scheffler said. `But I`m proud of how I fought. … Mentally, I was at my best this year, even if my game wasn`t fully there.`
Scheffler was aiming to join Nicklaus as the only golfers to win three Masters in four years.
It will be interesting to see if McIlroy can challenge Scheffler`s world No. 1 ranking. Scheffler dominated in 2024, but hasn`t won yet this year. Rory is mirroring Scheffler`s previous year with wins at Pebble Beach, Players, and the Masters.
Uggetti: Despite the division in golf, major championships remain compelling. Four times a year, the best players from different tours compete, creating captivating storylines.
The initial rivalry narrative between LIV and PGA Tour has faded, replaced by the compelling drama of these major meetings.
This Masters, like recent majors, highlighted top players, delivering dramatic finishes and deserving winners. Majors still hold significant intrigue and power.
Reunification of golf might happen eventually, benefiting the sport. But for now, majors feel more significant than ever and continue to deliver excitement.
Who Else Won Big at the Masters (Besides Rory)?
Schlabach: Besides McIlroy, I`d highlight veteran Masters champions Zach Johnson and Bubba Watson.
Johnson, 49, ranked 289th after a poor 2024 season. He had focused on his son`s high school football and seemed to be considering the Champions Tour.
He also dealt with an elbow injury since last summer.
However, the 2007 Masters winner shot a 66 on Saturday, tying for eighth at 5 under, his best PGA Tour finish since 2021.
`I still feel like I`ve got it,` Johnson stated.
Watson, 46, hadn`t performed well in LIV Golf League. His best finish was 12th in Saudi Arabia and ranked 36th in points.
Yet, the two-time Masters champion matched his career low with a 68 on Sunday, tying for 14th at 3 under. It was his best Masters finish since 2019.
Watson`s course knowledge was an advantage in his 17th Masters start.
`You always seek information,` Watson said. `But it`s less effective as you get older.`
Uggetti: Outside of McIlroy, Max Homa, who tied for 12th, is another winner.
Homa desperately needed a positive week after missing five consecutive cuts and struggling with his swing.
His solution? Playing Augusta National for four days straight. He broke par in every round.
`It`s been miserable,` Homa said after making the cut. `It feels good to play well here.`
Homa is comfortable at Augusta. Following his third-place tie last year, this T-12 finish earns him an invite for next year.
Homa aims for consistency and wins, with more work ahead.
`Tough times pass, tough people endure,` Homa said. `It`s just one tournament. Keep perspective.`
Biggest Masters Disappointment?
Schlabach: The lack of progress in reunifying the PGA Tour and LIV Golf League means we`ll only see the best golfers compete together in majors.
While many big names missed the Masters cut, LIV Golf captains Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson were notable disappointments.
Koepka, a five-time major winner, missed the cut after a quadruple-bogey on the 18th. He has struggled in recent majors, finishing outside the top 25 in the last six.
Johnson, a past Masters and U.S. Open champion, missed the cut with rounds of 74 and 73. He has missed the cut in four of his last six majors and underperformed in the others.
Smith`s LIV move was surprising after his 2023 Open Championship win. After a good 2024 Masters, he`s had mixed results in majors since.
Early Favorites for Upcoming Majors?
Schlabach: McIlroy is likely favored for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, May 15-18. He has won the Wells Fargo Championship there four times and set course records. A sixth major and third PGA title is plausible.
Expect Scheffler to win before the U.S. Open at Oakmont, June 12-15. Oakmont`s tight fairways and bunkers suit players with ball control. Scheffler will likely secure a major this season.
McIlroy is also a sentimental favorite for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, July 17-20. Despite a poor previous Open there in 2019, his home crowd support will be strong. Also, watch Shane Lowry, the previous Royal Portrush Open winner, who is playing well.
Uggetti: Mark`s favorites are solid. I`ll add some other contenders.
Ludvig Åberg has two consecutive top-10s at Augusta. His game suits major setups. He has the ball-striking ability to compete with Scheffler and McIlroy and can make late charges.
Keep an eye on Xander Schauffele. Despite not being fully recovered from a rib injury, he still finished T-8 at Augusta.
And consider DeChambeau, who led on Sunday early on. He will remain a major threat. Quail Hollow and Oakmont could favor his length and offer chances for more major wins.
