Masters 2025: Key Questions and Season Outlook

The 2025 Masters concluded with a thrilling finish, exceeding expectations.

In a dramatic final round, Rory McIlroy secured victory in a playoff against Justin Rose, achieving the career Grand Slam. The top finishers included Patrick Reed in third, Scottie Scheffler in fourth, and Sungjae Im and Bryson DeChambeau tied for fifth.

This win raises significant questions about McIlroy`s trajectory for the rest of the season. Who else impressed at the Masters? And who are the leading contenders for the upcoming majors, starting with the PGA Championship in May?

Here are some of the main talking points emerging from the Masters and a look ahead to the remainder of the 2025 golf season.

What`s Next for Rory McIlroy This Year?

Mark Schlabach: After finally winning the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam, ending a long major drought, this victory could be transformative for McIlroy`s career.

McIlroy has long been recognized as a highly talented and accomplished golfer, with numerous global wins and a significant tenure as world No. 1.

His major drought since the 2014 PGA Championship might have been the only thing preventing him from being considered among the absolute legends like Nicklaus, Palmer, and Woods.

Now, having overcome this major hurdle, McIlroy is free from the pressure, especially at Augusta National.

McIlroy admitted to feeling intense nerves on Sunday, particularly at the start, but showed resilience to recover. He acknowledged the weight of expectation and the relief of finally achieving this milestone.

Paolo Uggetti: McIlroy himself is already looking ahead, asking what the focus will be next year. The conversation quickly shifts to how many more majors he can win, starting this year. However, it`s worth considering how McIlroy will manage the emotional comedown from such a significant victory.

His emotional reaction on the 18th green highlighted the immense pressure he had been under. While this win could liberate him to pursue more major titles, golf is a sport where each tournament is a fresh start.

McIlroy has been dedicated to his process throughout his major drought. To continue his success, it will be interesting to see if his hunger remains as intense.

The positive sign is his current form, and the upcoming majors – PGA Championship at Quail Hollow (a course where he has won multiple times), U.S. Open at Oakmont, and Open Championship at Royal Portrush (his home game) – appear to suit his game.

Beyond McIlroy, What Were the Key Masters Takeaways?

Schlabach: Despite not being at his peak, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler still finished fourth. His iron play was slightly off, and he struggled for momentum until a strong Sunday round nearly put him in contention.

Scheffler`s stats were solid, but not his usual dominant level. He expressed pride in his mental toughness throughout the week, acknowledging his game wasn`t quite 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. While Scheffler dominated in 2024, McIlroy`s recent wins, including the Masters, position him as a strong contender this year.

Uggetti: Major championships continue to be compelling events, bringing together top players and storylines.

The rivalry narrative between PGA Tour and LIV Golf has evolved into focus on the high-stakes competition and drama that majors deliver.

This year`s Masters, like recent majors, highlighted top-tier talent, produced exciting finishes, and crowned deserving champions. Majors remain the pinnacle of golf, full of intrigue and significance.

While reunification in golf remains a possibility for the future, majors are currently elevated and consistently deliver excitement.

Who Were the Other Big Winners at the Masters?

Schlabach: Besides McIlroy, veteran former Masters champions Zach Johnson and Bubba Watson stood out.

Johnson, ranked 289th, had struggled recently. However, he had a strong Saturday round, finishing tied for eighth, his best result since 2021.

Johnson expressed that he still feels competitive, despite considering PGA Tour Champions soon.

Watson, playing in LIV Golf, also had a notable Masters, tying for 14th, his best Augusta finish since 2019. His course knowledge proved valuable.

Watson noted the importance of experience at Augusta, though its effectiveness may diminish with age.

Uggetti: In the non-McIlroy category, Max Homa`s tied for 12th place finish is significant.

Homa was seeking a positive week after a series of missed cuts and swing struggles. Augusta seemed to be the place to turn things around, as he broke par in every round.

Homa acknowledged the relief of a good performance, earning an automatic invite to next year`s Masters. He aims for consistency and wins, recognizing there`s still work to be done.

Homa emphasized resilience and maintaining perspective in golf, highlighting the importance of mental fortitude.

Biggest Disappointment from the Masters

Schlabach: The lack of progress in PGA Tour and LIV Golf reconciliation means limited opportunities to see all top golfers compete together outside of majors.

Several prominent players missed the cut, including LIV Golf captains Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson.

Koepka, a multiple major winner, missed the cut dramatically. Johnson and Smith also underperformed, highlighting the inconsistency of some LIV Golf stars in majors.

Early Favorites for the Remaining Majors?

Schlabach: McIlroy is likely the favorite for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, a course where he has a strong winning history. Expect him to contend for a second consecutive major.

Scheffler is expected to be a top contender at the U.S. Open at Oakmont, a course demanding precision. He`s unlikely to go majorless this year.

McIlroy will also be a sentimental favorite at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, his home course. However, Shane Lowry, the previous Open winner at Royal Portrush, is also a strong contender.

Uggetti: Beyond the favorites, consider Ludvig Åberg, who has consistently performed well at Augusta and has a game suited for major championships. Xander Schauffele, despite recent injury, also showed resilience at the Masters and should be watched. And Bryson DeChambeau, despite his Masters setback, remains a threat at major venues that suit his power game, like Quail Hollow and Oakmont.