Augusta, GA – Rory McIlroy arrives at Augusta National this weekend as a top contender for the 2025 Masters Tournament title, buoyed by a scorching start to the year but shadowed by a decade-long quest to complete his career Grand Slam.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman, ranked No. 2 in the world, headlines a stacked field for the 89th edition of golf’s preeminent major, set to begin Thursday, April 10.
McIlroy’s 2025 season has been electric, with victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship in his first four starts. His stats reflect peak form: first in scoring average (68.9), first in strokes gained off the tee, second in strokes gained tee to green, second in putting 15-20′, and a career-best 4.35 birdies per round.
Analysts point to his improved putting and mental game — honed with psychologist Bob Rotella — as key upgrades.
“He’s never been sharper going into Augusta,” said NBC’s Paul McGinley. “This could be his year.”
History, however, looms large. McIlroy has seven top-10 finishes in his last nine Masters appearances, including a runner-up in 2022, but no green jacket. His 2011 collapse—blowing a four-shot lead with a final-round 80—and missed cuts in 2021 and 2023 fuel skepticism.
“He’s got to exorcise those demons,” said Sir Nick Faldo, a three-time Masters champion. “Time’s ticking — only a few have won majors after an 11-year gap.”
Tiger Woods, however, remains optimistic, stating last year, “Rory’s too good not to win here eventually.”
Betting markets list McIlroy at +900, behind defending champion Scottie Scheffler (+425), who won in 2022 and 2024. Scheffler, despite a T2 at the Houston Open, has battled a hand injury, while other threats like Jon Rahm (+1200), Xander Schauffele (+1300), Bryson DeChambeau (+1400) and Ludvig Aberg (+1500) face their own questions.
A minor elbow issue post-Players has raised eyebrows, though McIlroy dismissed concerns Monday. “It’s fine — won’t affect me,” he told reporters after a practice round.
Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee sees a window: “This Masters is his [McIlroy’s] to win or lose. It’s his. Likely, he’s not going to catch Scheffler a little bit more off of his game than Scheffler is right now.”
As the first tee shots near, McIlroy’s blend of current dominance and historical baggage makes him the player to watch. Whether he can finally conquer Augusta National — or add another chapter of near-misses — will unfold under the Georgia pines next week.
