AUGUSTA, Ga. — The final round of the 2025 Masters is shaping up to be an exhilarating showdown as Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau take center stage at Augusta National Golf Club. With McIlroy holding a two-shot lead over DeChambeau, golf fans are in for a treat as these two heavyweights battle not only for the coveted green jacket but also for a place in golfing history.
McIlroy, who is seeking his first major championship title since 2014, started the day with a 54-hole lead, marking the sixth time in his career he has found himself in this position at a major. The Northern Irishman has been on a mission to complete the career grand slam, a feat only five other golfers have achieved, the last being Tiger Woods. A victory today would solidify his status as one of the greats.
DeChambeau, on the other hand, is looking to play spoiler. The American, known for his powerful drives and analytical approach to the game, aims to secure his third major title and his first Masters victory. With a history of intense competition against McIlroy, including a dramatic finish at last summer's U.S. Open, the stakes couldn't be higher.
As the final round commenced, McIlroy found himself in a precarious position early on. After a double bogey on the first hole, his two-shot lead evaporated, leaving both players tied at -10. However, McIlroy quickly regained his composure, sinking a birdie on the par-3 fourth hole, which pushed him back into a three-shot lead as DeChambeau struggled with a bogey.
McIlroy's round got off to a rocky start as he hit his tee shot into the fairway bunker on the first hole. A series of unfortunate shots led to a double bogey, but the resilient golfer quickly turned things around. "I just had to shake it off and focus on the next shot," McIlroy said after the round. His birdie on the fourth demonstrated his ability to bounce back under pressure.
Meanwhile, DeChambeau was not to be overlooked. After making a birdie on the second hole, he found himself level with McIlroy once again. However, a three-putt on the third hole cost him valuable strokes, allowing McIlroy to regain the lead. The tension was palpable as both players navigated the challenging Augusta course, with the leaderboard showing McIlroy at -12 and DeChambeau at -9 as they approached the back nine.
As the round progressed, other contenders began to emerge. Corey Conners, Ludvig Åberg, and Justin Rose were all within striking distance, but they would need a strong finish to challenge the leaders. Conners, who has been consistent throughout the tournament, was sitting at -7, while Åberg was just a shot behind him.
The Masters is known for its unpredictable nature, and with both McIlroy and DeChambeau in the final pairing, fans are treated to a rematch that promises to be one for the ages. Their rivalry has become a focal point of the tournament, particularly after last year's U.S. Open, where DeChambeau claimed victory in dramatic fashion. McIlroy has expressed his desire to avenge that loss, adding an extra layer of intensity to today's match.
"It’s going to be a battle out there. Bryson is a great competitor, and I know he’s going to bring his best game," McIlroy remarked before the round. "I just have to focus on my game and not get caught up in what he’s doing."
Fans tuning in can catch the action live on CBS, with coverage running from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET. The anticipation is building as the final holes approach, and both players will need to stay sharp to secure their place in Masters history.
As the golfers made their way to the 18th hole, the excitement reached a fever pitch. McIlroy, now with a solid lead, was eyeing the green jacket, while DeChambeau was determined to make a comeback. The atmosphere at Augusta is electric, with fans lining the fairways, eager to witness golf history in the making.
The final round of the Masters has always been a showcase of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. With McIlroy’s history of near misses at Augusta, including a devastating 80 in 2011 when he held the 54-hole lead, today’s performance is crucial. Since then, he has gone 4-0 with 54-hole leads at major championships, but the pressure at Augusta is unlike any other.
As the clock ticks down, the question remains: Can McIlroy finally claim the green jacket, or will DeChambeau pull off a stunning upset? The answer will come as the final putts are made and the champions are crowned.
Stay tuned as we continue to provide updates on this thrilling final round of the 2025 Masters. Will McIlroy complete his journey to a career grand slam, or will DeChambeau spoil the party once again? Golf fans around the world are on the edge of their seats, and the excitement is palpable as this legendary tournament reaches its climax.
