What a week. What an absolute rollercoaster of a Masters.Being back on the grounds of Augusta National for the 14th time in the last 16 years is always a privilege, but this year felt different right from the start. The energy around the course, from the patrons to the press room, was humming with one central storyline: Rory McIlroy and his long-awaited quest for the career Grand Slam.
That buzz wasn’t just hype. There was a real sense that this might finally be the year Rory slips on the green jacket. And in the end, he did just that. But not without giving us one of the most dramatic Sundays in recent memory. The afternoon felt like a triple-loop rollercoaster. For every bad shot he hit. And let’s not sugarcoat it, some were brutal, like the stubbed wedge on 18 in regulation or the mishit into Rae’s Creek on 13, he found a way to fight back with something brilliant.
Rory’s approach on 15, his tee shot on 16, and his steady hand in the playoff were not just good. They were iconic. When we look back on this Masters in five, ten, or twenty years, those will be the shots we talk about. Those will be the moments that live on.
For fans of the game, Rory’s win wasn’t just a win. It was the closing chapter in one of golf’s longest-running storylines. He’s now the sixth player in history to complete the career Grand Slam, joining the most elite company in the sport. That’s no small feat. That’s golf history.
But of course, the story doesn’t end here.
Scottie Scheffler may have been overshadowed this week, but make no mistake. He’s still the number one player in the world. He has the game, the composure, and the mindset to be next in line for a Grand Slam conversation. Whether he bounces back immediately or not, it’s strange how we use that phrase in golf. Bounce back from what? Not winning?
Tiger Woods, the most prolific winner the game has seen, still only won around 20 percent of his starts. This is a sport where you lose far more often than you win. So when pundits talk about slumps and struggles after a single tournament, I can’t help but shake my head. Golf doesn’t work that way.
Rory’s win takes a weight off his shoulders. He’s no longer chasing that elusive final major. That mental freedom could open the door to even more success. He’s still in his prime, still chasing greatness, and now playing with nothing left to prove.
And while Rory’s triumph is the headline, I also want to tip my cap to Justin Rose. At 44, he continues to grind, compete, and put himself in the mix at the game’s biggest events. That kind of longevity and drive deserves recognition.
The 2025 Masters gave us history. It gave us drama. And most of all, it gave us hope that the game’s biggest stars still have plenty more chapters to write.
Up next on the calendar is one of the most unique events on the PGA Tour, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. It runs from April 24 through 27 at TPC Louisiana, and every year it brings something fresh to the spring schedule.
This tournament stands out because it’s an official team event on the PGA Tour. Players compete in pairs, with the first and third rounds played as four-ball (best ball) and the second and final rounds as alternate shot. That mix keeps things unpredictable and demands real chemistry between partners. It’s fast, competitive, and just flat-out fun to watch.
Rory McIlroy will be back in the field, pairing again with Shane Lowry. The two of them won it last year, and they work well together. After Rory’s big win at Augusta, all eyes will be on how he carries that momentum into a completely different style of play. It’s a perfect chance to see how versatile his game really is.
But what I really appreciate about the Zurich Classic is its impact off the course. Through the Fore!Kids Foundation, the tournament has raised more than 45 million dollars since 1958, supporting healthcare, education, and essential services for over 200,000 children each year. That kind of long-term commitment speaks volumes about what this event means to the local community. It’s not just a stop on the PGA Tour. It’s a force for good.
For fans, this week brings something special. There’s high-level play, real teamwork, and a deep sense of purpose behind it all.
Brendon is Class A PGA Professional and founded Little Linksters, LLC, and its nonprofit arm, the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development. He won 25+ prestigious industry honors, including the 2017 PGA National Youth Player Development Award. He graduated from the PGA of America Management Program and has a handicap index of 7.8.
He has played golf for over 40 years and currently plays twice a month at the Eagle Dunes Golf Club near Sorrento, Florida. He loves Srixon clubs and plays a ZX5 driver with Z 585 irons. He's written over 60 articles on GolfSpan and specializes in sharing tips to improve your golf game. You can connect with Brendon at LinkedIn, X, IG, FB, his website, or BrendonElliott@pga.com.
