The 2025 Masters tournament has concluded, delivering an exciting and memorable event.
In a dramatic final round, Rory McIlroy secured victory in a playoff 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.
This win 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 the career Grand Slam and ending a major championship drought of over a decade, this win could be a transformative moment for Rory McIlroy`s career.
McIlroy has long been recognized as one of golf`s most gifted and accomplished players, with over 50 victories worldwide and a reign at No. 1 in the world rankings for over 100 weeks.
His previous failure to win a major since the 2014 PGA Championship may have hindered his ascent to the status of legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods.
Now, with the burden of chasing the Grand Slam lifted, McIlroy can approach majors, especially the Masters at Augusta, with newfound freedom.
“Today was tough,” McIlroy admitted after his final round. “I was incredibly nervous this morning, especially on the first tee, which showed with the double bogey. But I recovered, demonstrating the resilience I’ve often spoken about.”
“This was a significant weight to carry, and I`m relieved to be free of it. Knowing I`ll return here every year is a wonderful feeling.”
Paolo Uggetti`s Perspective: In his post-victory press conference, McIlroy playfully asked the media, “What are we going to talk about next year?”
Indeed, the focus has already shifted to how many more majors McIlroy can win, not just in his career, but this year itself. However, it`s worth considering how McIlroy will manage the emotional letdown after such a monumental victory.
McIlroy’s emotional reaction on the 18th green underscored the immense pressure he had overcome. While this win may liberate him to pursue further major titles, golf is a sport where each tournament is a fresh start.
Throughout his 11-year major drought, McIlroy has emphasized the process of continuous improvement. To maintain his current trajectory of PGA Tour wins and major championships, it will be interesting to observe how his hunger evolves.
The positive sign is that McIlroy is currently playing exceptional golf, and the upcoming majors—Quail Hollow (where he has won four times), Oakmont, and Royal Portrush (his home course)—appear to suit his game favorably.
Beyond McIlroy`s Victory, What Were the Key Takeaways from the Masters?
Schlabach: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, while not at his peak, still performed strongly, finishing solo fourth at 8 under. Scheffler`s typically precise iron play was slightly off, and he struggled to build momentum until a Sunday 69 nearly put him in contention as McIlroy faltered on the back nine.
Scheffler hit 62% of greens in regulation and 71% of fairways during the tournament. Among players who made the cut, he ranked 26th in strokes gained: approach (.630) and 58th in strokes gained: off the tee (-.110).
“I could have easily become frustrated this week with my play or swing or course conditions, missing my intended targets,” Scheffler commented. “I`m proud of how I persevered and competed. … Mentally, I felt my best all year, even if my game wasn`t quite there.”
Scheffler was aiming to join Nicklaus as the only golfers to win three Masters titles in a four-year span.
It will be compelling to watch if McIlroy can challenge Scheffler for the world No. 1 ranking this season. While Scheffler dominated in 2024, he is yet to win this year. McIlroy is mirroring Scheffler`s previous year with victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Players Championship, and now the Masters.
Uggetti: Despite the division in professional golf, major championships continue to be a highlight. Four times a year, the best players from different tours compete, creating compelling narratives.
The initial rivalry between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has evolved into richer storylines arising from these major meetings.
This Masters, like recent majors, highlighted top-tier talent, delivering dramatic conclusions and deserving champions. Majors remain the pinnacle of intrigue and prestige in golf.
While reunification in golf remains a possibility, and potentially beneficial for the sport, majors are currently more captivating than ever and consistently deliver excitement.
Who Were the Biggest Winners (Besides McIlroy) at the Masters?
Schlabach: Beyond McIlroy, I`d highlight veteran Masters champions Zach Johnson and Bubba Watson.
Johnson, 49, had fallen to 289th in the world rankings after a poor 2024 and a quiet start to this season, except for a T-21 at the Sony Open in January. He reduced his play last fall to watch his son`s senior football season and seemed to be considering the PGA Tour Champions as he approaches 50.
Adding to his challenges, Johnson has been managing a right elbow injury since last summer.
The 2007 Masters winner rallied with six birdies in eight holes for a Saturday 66, his best Augusta round. His T-8 finish at 5 under was his best PGA Tour result since 2021.
“I still believe I have it,” Johnson stated. “Pride might be the word, or whatever you want to call it.”
Watson, 46, a two-time Masters champion, has been relatively quiet in the LIV Golf League, with a best finish of T-12 in Saudi Arabia. He ranks 36th in individual points.
However, Watson matched his career-low 68 on Sunday and finished T-14 at 3 under. It was his best Masters finish since T-12 in 2019.
Making his 17th Masters appearance, Watson utilized his course knowledge to his advantage.
“You always seek information,” Watson said, “but as you age, that information isn`t as effective as it once was.”
Uggetti: Focusing on non-McIlroy performers, Max Homa, who tied for 12th, stands out.
Homa desperately needed a positive week after missing five consecutive cuts and openly discussing his swing struggles.
His solution? Playing Augusta National for four straight days. Homa shot under par in every round.
“This has been incredibly frustrating,” Homa said after making the cut. “It feels great not to be my own worst enemy out here.”
Homa seems comfortable at Augusta. Following a T-3 finish last year, his T-12 earns him an automatic invitation for next year.
However, Homa aims for consistent success and wins, not just positive weeks. More work remains.
“Tough times are temporary; tough people endure,” Homa said. “Ultimately, if you can get out of your head, it`s just one tournament. Missing a cut by a stroke is disappointing, but you`re always closer than you think.”
Biggest Disappointments from the Masters
Schlabach: With no resolution in sight for the PGA Tour and LIV Golf divide, we`re likely limited to just three more events this season featuring all top golfers.
While numerous big names missed the Masters cut, LIV Golf captains Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson were among the most notable.
Koepka, a five-time major winner, missed the cut after a quadruple-bogey 8 on the 18th in the second round. Koepka, with three PGA Championship and two U.S. Open titles, has finished outside the top 25 in his last six majors.
Johnson, the 2016 U.S. Open and 2020 Masters champion, missed the cut with rounds of 74 and 73. While not disastrous scores, DJ has missed the cut in four of his last six major starts and failed to reach the top 30 in the other two.
Smith`s move to LIV Golf was surprising given his career peak after winning the 150th Open Championship in 2023. He tied for sixth at the 2024 Masters but then had less impressive major finishes: T-63 at the PGA Championship, T-32 at the U.S. Open, and a missed cut at The Open.
Early Favorites for the Remaining Majors?
Schlabach: McIlroy will likely be favored at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 15-18. He has won the Wells Fargo Championship at this course four times (2010, 2015, 2021, 2024) and twice set course records (62 in 2010 and 61 in 2015). A sixth major and third PGA Championship for McIlroy next month wouldn`t be surprising. I predict McIlroy to win his second consecutive major.
I anticipate Scheffler will have a couple of wins before the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh on June 12-15. Prior to a T-41 at Pinehurst No. 2 last year, he had three straight top-10 major finishes. Oakmont`s narrow fairways and numerous bunkers will reward precision, favoring players who control their ball. Scheffler is unlikely to go a full season without a major victory.
McIlroy will also be a popular pick for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland from July 17-20. He missed the cut when The Open was last there in 2019, carding an opening-round 79 with a quadruple-bogey and a triple-bogey. Despite a second-round 65, he missed the cut by one stroke. Keep an eye on Irishman Shane Lowry, the previous Open champion at Royal Portrush, who is also playing excellent golf.
Uggetti: Mark has highlighted the top favorites. Here are some other contenders to consider.
Ludvig Åberg has now achieved top-10 finishes at Augusta for two consecutive years. While he has only one other top-12 major finish in eight attempts, his game is well-suited for various major championship conditions. The 2025 Genesis Invitational winner possesses the ball-striking ability to compete with Scheffler and McIlroy and has demonstrated resilience on Sundays.
Xander Schauffele is also one to watch. Despite not being at peak form after a rib injury, he still managed a T-8 finish at Augusta after an opening 73.
And we shouldn`t forget Bryson DeChambeau, who briefly led on Sunday. This Masters result won`t deter him from contending in majors. Quail Hollow and Oakmont`s setups could favor DeChambeau’s power, giving him chances to add to his major tally.