Northern Irish golfer, Rory McIlroy, clinched the 2025 Masters Tournament this past Sunday, April 13, in a playoff hole against Ryder Cup teammate, Justin Rose.
McIlroy came into this Sunday’s round in first place, with a three stroke lead over American, Bryson DeChambeau. The stage was set for what many anticipated to be a historic match-up, but an over-par performance by DeChambeau, shooting three over par in the final round, left many fans disappointed.
“[DeChambeau] was doing really good until the very last day when it mattered the most. Although I wanted him to win, I’m not disappointed. You can’t win them all, and in the end, [McIlroy] dfinitely deserved a green jacket. [DeChambeau] definitely has it next year, though,” senior Niles West golfer, Adrian Vucic said.
However, an unexpected competitor rose out of the ashes in Rose. His score of -6 in the final round, along with a missed putt from McIlroy on the 18th green led to a playoff.
“[Rose] started off strong, but then he dipped down for a bit, and then the last day he just went crazy, so he got back up there. Then [McIlroy] sold that winning putt… That was crazy,” senior, and Boys´ Golf Team captain, Teddy Schroeder said.
In addition to achieving his lifelong dream of sporting the green blazer at August National Golf Club, with this victory, McIlroy joins a small group of golfers that have achieved a career Grand Slam, winning all four majors throughout his career (U.S. Open, British Open, PGA Tour Championship, and the Masters). He became one of 6 golfers to ever achieve this feat, putting him in the same category as golf legends like Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
“When [Rory] dropped down on his knees and was crying…and when he was being interviewed later and was crying and emotional, I felt so involved because I’ve watched him play for so many years. I was actually welling up myself because I was just so moved. That’s what makes sports so great, is that you just never know what’s going to happen,” head varsity boys’ golf coach, Eric Lueder, said.
While many appreciate the Masters Tournament for the level of golf being played, many others find the psychological aspect fascinating.
“The fourth day of the Masters is always quite exciting to watch, because not only do [competitors] have to play exceptional golf, they have to have a very strong mind because it can be very challenging emotionally…psychologically, to come in with the lead, play 18 holes, keep the lead, but to see that lead kind of diminish over time, and then to watch the mental toughness to stay on course and complete [the round] was awesome to watch,” guidance counselor, Ben Grais said.
