Rory McIlroy Makes History in Augusta

Multiple weeks. This is the absolute roller coaster of the master. Over the past 16 years, it has been a privilege to get back to the spot on the Augusta National, but this year has felt different from the beginning. The energy around the course from the customer to the newsroom is filled with a central storyline: Rory McIlroy and his long-awaited pursuit of a professional grand slam.

This buzz is more than just hype. There was a real feeling that it might end up being a year when Rory slipped on a green jacket. In the end, that’s what he did. But it’s not without giving us one of the most dramatic Sundays in recent memory. The afternoon felt like a third-ring roller coaster. For every bad gun he hit. And, let’s not sugar-coated, some are cruel, like the 18-year-old fixed wedge or the 13-year-old Rae’s Creek, who found a way to fight back in a great way.

Rory scored at 15, his tee shot at 16, and his stable hand in the playoffs was not only good. They are iconic. When we look back at the Masters of Five, Ten or Twenty Years, this will be the lens we talk about. These will be the moments of life.

For fans of the game, Rory’s victory is more than just a victory. This is the closing chapter of one of the longest storylines in golf. He is now the sixth player in history to complete a professional grand slam, joining the sport’s most elite company. That’s not a small feat. That’s golf history.

But, of course, the story doesn’t end here.

Scottie Scheffler may have been covered up this week, but there is no doubt. He remains the number one player in the world. He has the game, calmness and mindset and will be the next one in a Grand Slam conversation. It’s weird how we use the phrase in golf, whether he rebounds immediately or not. What rebound? Don’t win?

Tiger Woods is the most prolific champion the game has ever seen, still winning only 20% of the start. It’s a sport and you lose much more than you win. So, when Pundits talked about the downturn and struggle after a match, I couldn’t help but shake my head. Golf doesn’t work properly.

Rory’s victory reduced his shoulders. He no longer chased the elusive finalist. This psychological freedom can open the door to more success. He is still at his peak, still chasing greatness, and there is nothing to prove now.

While Rory’s victory was headlines, I also wanted to push the hat to Justin Rose. At 44, he continued to hone his best in the competition, competing and blending himself into one. This longevity and driving force are worthy of recognition.

The Masters of 2025 provide us with history. It gives us drama. Most importantly, it makes us hope that the biggest star of the game has more chapters to write.

Next on the calendar is one of the most unique events in the PGA Tour (the classic of New Orleans in Zurich Classic). It runs in TPC Louisiana from April 24-27, bringing something fresh to the spring schedule every year.

This game stands out because it is an official team event on the PGA Tour. Players play in pairs, with the first and third rounds playing four goals (best ball), the second and second rounds and the last round. This mix keeps things unpredictable and requires a real chemistry between partners. It’s fast, competitive, and watching is just a little-known pleasure.

Rory McIlroy will be back on the scene and paired with Shane Lowry again. The two of them won the competition last year and they worked well together. After Rory’s major victory at Augusta, everyone will be looking at how he transformed this momentum into a completely different style of play. This is an ideal opportunity to see his game truly versatile.

But my real appreciation of the Zurich classic is its influence in the course. Since 1958, by Fore! Kids Foundation has raised over $45 million to provide health care, education and essential services to more than 200,000 children each year. This long-term commitment speaks a lot to the significance of this incident to the local community. It’s not just a stop for the PGA Tour. This is a permanent force.

For fans, something special has been brought to the week. Behind all this there are advanced competitions, real teamwork and a deep sense of purpose.