Rory McIlroy Wins 2025 Masters and Completes Career Grand Slam in Playoff Thriller
Rory McIlroy finally has his green jacket.
In a thrilling finale at Augusta National Golf Club, McIlroy clinched his first Masters Tournament win and completed the coveted career Grand Slam, becoming just the sixth player in history to do so. The dramatic finish saw him edge out Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff after both golfers finished at 11-under-par.
A Decade in the Making
McIlroy had long been chasing the Masters title to join golf legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus in the Grand Slam club. After 16 previous attempts, his 17th trip to Augusta proved to be the charm.
He entered Sunday’s final round with a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau. Despite a shaky start that included a double bogey on the first hole and another on Amen Corner, McIlroy fought back with key birdies on holes 15 and 17. Still, his five-shot lead disappeared under pressure from Justin Rose, who carded a brilliant 10 birdies in the final round.
The two ended tied at -11, setting the stage for Augusta’s first playoff since 2017. On the very first playoff hole, McIlroy birdied to seal the victory.
“It feels incredible,” said McIlroy. “I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.”
Final Leaderboard Highlights
- 1. Rory McIlroy –11 (wins playoff)
- 2. Justin Rose –11
- 3. Patrick Reed –9
- 4. Scottie Scheffler –8
- 5. Bryson DeChambeau –7
Rose’s Final Push Falls Just Short
Rose, who had once led the tournament earlier in the week, stormed back into contention on Sunday. His 6-under round was capped with a 25-foot birdie on the final hole, tying McIlroy and forcing a playoff.
Despite his incredible performance, Rose fell short in a Masters playoff for the second time. He was also a runner-up in 2017.
Scottie Scheffler and DeChambeau Among Top Finishers
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler made a strong push, finishing fourth at -8, though he admitted, “I just didn’t have my best stuff this week.”
Bryson DeChambeau, who came into the final round two shots back, faded slightly on Sunday but still earned a top-5 finish. His third-round heroics — including a 48-foot birdie putt on 18 — had positioned him as a real threat heading into Sunday.
The Emotional Weight of History
For McIlroy, this win meant more than just a trophy. It exorcised the ghosts of his 2011 Masters meltdown and capped a decade-long quest to secure golf’s ultimate individual achievement. With previous wins at the U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship, this victory completes his journey.
He now stands alongside Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods in the elite club of Grand Slam winners.
“This moment makes all the close calls worth it,” McIlroy said.
More…
- https://sports.yahoo.com/golf/article/masters-2025-rory-mcilroy-at-last-claims-green-jacket-career-grand-slam-231725337.html
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/masters/2025/04/13/masters-live-updates-leaderboard-final-round-sunday/83066188007
- https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2025/apr/13/the-masters-2025-final-round-augusta-live-golf
