Rory McIroy wins 2025 Masters

Rory McIlroy (TourProGolfClubs, Wikimedia Commons)

For the fifth time in his golf career, Rory McIlroy of Holywood, Northern Ireland was a major champion. On Sunday, McIlroy needed a playoff to win the 2025 Masters from Augusta, Georgia.

McIlroy shot a four round score of -11, and then had a birdie on the first playoff hole. The golfer McIlroy was in a playoff with was England’s Justin Rose. The only other two golfers in contention were Americans Patrick Reed (-9) and Scottie Scheffler (-8).

After the third round, McIlroy had the lead at -12. It was a topsy-turvy day for the 35-year-old. He began the day with a double bogey on the first hole to drop to -10. McIlroy actually lost his lead after the second hole, as American Bryson DeChambeau, his fourth round playing partner, was at -11. McIlroy then responded with birdies on the third, fourth, and ninth holes, to improve to -13 after the front nine.

McIlroy then had a birdie on the 10th hole, before things unravelled for him. He bogeyed the 11th hole, double bogeyed the 13th hole, and bogeyed the 14th hole, to drop out of the lead at -10. McIlroy then responded with impressive birdies on the 15th and 17th holes, before bogeying the 18th hole.

Even though McIlroy was victorious, it was not all smooth sailing. He had four double bogeys during the tournament, which was the most for a Masters champion. Craig Stadler had the old record with three in 1982.

By winning the Masters, McIlroy became the sixth golfer to win the career grand slam. He is joined by Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, and Gary Player.