Rory McIlroy makes Masters history with six straight 3s
Rory McIlroy called it a dream start at Augusta. A few hiccups followed, but he battled back and finished strong to stay in the hunt.
The Masters
‘Welcome to the Club @McIlroyRory.’
That’s how Tiger Woods began his congratulatory message to Rory McIlroy on X, formerly Twitter, Sunday night, a little over an hour after McIlroy donned the Green Jacket for the first time.
McIlroy’s victory earned him a spot among Woods and five others—Jack Nicklaus, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan and Gary Player—to accomplish the feat.
“Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special,” the message continued. “Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re a part of history. Proud of you!”
Woods, a 15-time major winner has won every major at least three times and claims five Green Jackets, the most recent in 2019.
McIlroy now has five majors, including a pair of PGA Championships (2012, 2014), a U.S. Open (2011) and an Open Championship (2014) to go along with the 2025 Masters.
How did Rory McIlroy win the 2025 Masters?
McIlroy birdied the first playoff hole to defeat Justin Rose after squandering a five-shot lead on the second nine.
Rose, to his credit, finished with a 6-under par 66 to McIlroy’s 73, which forced the playoff as both finished 11-under.
After an opening-round even-par 72, McIlroy shot back-to-back 6-under par 66s to take the 54-hole lead. He expanded his lead until a run of two bogeys and a double bogey in a four-hole stretch brought him back to the pack.
Rose took a 1-shot lead at 11-under before McIlroy took the lead back with birdies at Nos. 15 and 17. His bogey at 18 sent the tournament to a playoff.
He sank a 4-foot birdie putt on the 18th in the playoff while Rose missed an 15-footer for birdie and settle for par.
Are Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy friends off the course?
The world-famous golfers are good friends who teamed up to co-found The Golf League, an indoor simulator league of PGA Tour pros that premiered this past year.
They were also vocal opponents of the LIV Golf League breaking away from the PGA Tour, as both were the face of loyalty for the latter tour.
Did Tiger Woods play in the 2025 Masters?
Tiger Woods is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery and did not play in the 2025 Masters. In 2024, Woods made his 24th consecutive cut at Augusta, passing Fred Couples for the most all time.
Ryne Dennis is the Deep South Connect Team Editor for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X @RyneDennis and email at rdennis@onlineathens.com.
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