Rory McIlroy wins the 2025 Masters Tournament en route to a Hall of Fame career. At the time of this victory, he was the sixth male golfer in history to achieve a career Grand Slam. This win marks a decade-long drought for another major championship since his 2014 Open Championship victory. It catapults him up into the elite, tying for 15th place all-time, men’s major championships won.
Yet McIlroy’s path to Augusta National has not been without bumps. Though he first battled the course to a tie in 2011, he would run into countless challenges that kept him from claiming a coveted green jacket. On Sunday, McIlroy exorcised his Augusta demons once and for all. It’s a hard-earned, long-awaited victory, which now puts him third to only legends Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in the chase for major championships. Crowning achievement Nicklaus currently holds the record with 18 major victories, while Woods is three wins short of that record.
Brad Faxon, McIlroy’s putting coach and mentor, told ESPN that he expects the great one to get even better. He would agree with me that McIlroy can not only catch Jack, but surpass his current record of 15 major championships.
“Rory can double his number of majors. He can go on to win 10. Something happened from the defeats to build the resilience he has. It builds inside what you need to overcome. He is an example to everyone.” – Brad Faxon
Faxon is clear in his belief that McIlroy has the acumen, instincts and historical perspective on the game needed to quit be put under pressure by its difficulties. The New York Times’ Bill Pennington noted that McIlroy has a history of unmet expectations, starting in 2014. Each summer, as the Masters approaches, the burden placed upon him only intensifies.
“Rory has carried a burden since 2014 to have this goal accomplished and every year, since the first major of the year, it gets harder,” – Brad Faxon
Rory’s recent win has recharged those chips about his ability to take over the sport for the next decade plus. As he ties with four other players for 15th on the all-time list of men’s major championships won, the golfing world watches closely as he seeks to add more titles to his resume.
“He has played professional golf for more than half his life now and there is nothing that can stop this guy,” – Brad Faxon
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