The 2025 Masters is over, and it was truly exciting.
After 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? Who else performed well? And who are the favorites for the upcoming majors, starting with the PGA Championship in May?
Here are some key questions arising from the Masters as we look ahead to the rest of the 2025 golf season.
Rory McIlroy`s Next Steps After Masters Victory
Analysis: After a long wait for the green jacket and career Grand Slam, and ending a major drought of over a decade, this win could be transformative for Rory`s career.
McIlroy has long been a top golfer, with numerous global wins and over 100 weeks at world No. 1. However, his last major win in 2014 might have held him back from being considered among the all-time greats like Nicklaus, Palmer, and Woods.
Now, the pressure of completing the Grand Slam is off McIlroy, especially at Augusta.
`Sunday was tough,` McIlroy admitted. `I was incredibly nervous, especially on the first hole, as seen with the double bogey. But I recovered and showed resilience.`
`It was a heavy burden lifted, freeing me up knowing I`ll return here each year.`
Further Perspective: In his post-round conference, McIlroy playfully asked the media, `What will we talk about next year?`
Indeed, the focus shifts to how many more majors he can win this year and in his career. While this victory is huge, golf is a sport where you start fresh at each tournament.
McIlroy has been dedicated to his process during his major drought, especially recently. To continue winning PGA Tour events and majors, his hunger and drive will be key.
The good news is McIlroy`s current form is excellent, and the upcoming major venues – Quail Hollow, Oakmont, and Royal Portrush – seem favorable for his game.
Key Takeaways Beyond McIlroy`s Victory
Analysis: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, while not at his peak, still finished solo fourth at 8 under. His iron play was slightly off, and momentum was slow until a Sunday 69 nearly put him in contention as McIlroy struggled on the back nine.
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).
`I could have been frustrated with my play or swing,` Scheffler said. `But I`m proud of my fight. … Mentally, I was at my best this year, but my game wasn`t quite there.`
Scheffler aimed to join Nicklaus as the only golfers with three green jackets 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, while McIlroy is mirroring Scheffler`s last year with wins at Pebble Beach, Players, and the Masters.
Further Perspective: Despite divisions in golf, major championships remain compelling. Four times a year, top players compete, creating captivating storylines.
The rivalry between tours has faded, replaced by the drama of major tournaments.
This Masters, like recent majors, highlighted top performers with dramatic finishes and deserving winners. Majors retain their intrigue and significance.
Reunification in golf might be beneficial, but for now, majors are more intense and continue to deliver excitement.
Top Performers Beyond the Winner
Analysis: Besides McIlroy, veteran Masters champions Zach Johnson and Bubba Watson stood out.
Johnson, 49, ranked 289th after a poor 2024 season. After focusing on his son`s football and considering the PGA Tour Champions, he had a resurgence.
Battling an elbow injury since last summer, Johnson shot a Saturday 66, his best Augusta round since his 2007 Masters win. He tied for eighth, his best PGA Tour finish since 2021.
`I still feel capable,` Johnson stated.
Watson, 46, in LIV Golf, had a best finish of 12th this season and ranked 36th in points.
The two-time Masters winner matched his low with a Sunday 68, tying for 14th, his best Augusta finish since 2019.
In his 17th Masters, Watson`s course knowledge was valuable.
`You always seek information,` Watson said, `but it`s less effective as you age.`
Further Perspective: Max Homa, tying for 12th, also deserves recognition.
Homa sought a positive week after five missed cuts and swing struggles.
His solution? Playing Augusta for four days, breaking par each round.
`It`s been tough,` Homa admitted after making the cut. `It feels good to not defeat myself here.`
Homa seems comfortable at Augusta. After a T-3 finish last year, his T-12 earns him a 2026 invite.
Homa aims for consistency and wins, and there`s still work ahead.
`Tough times pass; tough people endure,` Homa said. `It`s just one event. You can miss a cut and feel awful, but you`re always closer than you think.`
Biggest Disappointments at the Masters
Analysis: PGA Tour and LIV Golf remain divided, limiting events where top golfers compete against each other to just three more this season.
While many big names missed the Masters cut, LIV Golf captains Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson were notable.
Koepka, a five-time major winner, missed the cut with a quadruple-bogey on the 18th. He`s been 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. He has missed four of his last six major cuts and didn`t crack the top 30 in the other two.
Smith`s LIV Golf move was surprising after his 2023 Open Championship win. He tied for sixth at the 2024 Masters but has since struggled in majors.
Early Major Favorites for the Rest of 2025
Analysis: McIlroy is likely favored for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, May 15-18. He`s won the Wells Fargo Championship there four times, setting course records twice. A sixth major and third PGA title next month is possible. Expect McIlroy to win a second straight major.
Scheffler should have wins before the U.S. Open at Oakmont, June 12-15. He had top-10 major finishes before a T-41 at Pinehurst last year. Oakmont`s narrow fairways favor ball control, making Scheffler a strong contender for a major victory this season.
McIlroy will be a favorite at the Open Championship`s return to Royal Portrush, July 17-20. He missed the cut there in 2019 but expect a strong showing. Keep an eye on Irishman Shane Lowry, the previous Royal Portrush Open winner, who is also playing well.
Further Perspective: Consider these contenders:
Ludvig Åberg has two top-10s at Augusta and his game suits major setups. He can compete with top players and charge on Sundays.
Xander Schauffele, despite a rib injury, still finished T-8 at Augusta and is always a threat in majors.
Bryson DeChambeau, despite his Masters loss, will remain a major threat. Quail Hollow and Oakmont suit his length and major ambitions.
