Rory McIlroy confirmed a career grand slam on Sunday after he became Masters champion in his eleventh attempt at the legendary tournament.
It was far from a straightforward afternoon for the Irishman, who required a play-off hole to separate himself from runner-up Justin Rose.
McIlroy took a two-stroke lead into the final day, but it would prove insignificant after a round of pantomime drama. Playing alongside old foe Bryson DeChambeau, he started his round in the worst possible fashion, recording a double bogey on the first hole, but quickly recovered with two birdies in the following three holes to draw back level.
The pair would trade the lead for much of the front nine before DeChambeau eventually crumbled after the turn, hitting the water to the side of the eleventh green as he recorded a crushing double bogey. The error would take him entirely out of contention.
That is not to say McIlroy was without his faults. He squandered the lead again late in the round, hitting Rae’s Creek himself just two holes later, missing a needlessly risky pitch as he recorded a double bogey of his own to cast a shadow on his title hopes.
For every mistake, though, there was an absolutely unforgettable recovery. An approach to the seventh green, hit from the rough through the narrowest of gaps between trees to within touching distance of the pin, was perhaps the pick of the bunch.
Two groups ahead, Justin Rose quietly enjoyed a vintage round, the 44-year-old recording 10 birdies as he played free from the pressure that had saddled him on Saturday.
With just a few holes remaining in his round, he found himself a surprise title contender, level with fan favourite McIlroy, who birdied the 17th to set up a perfect opportunity for the final hole.
Par on the eighteenth was all he required to confirm his title, but he found the bunker ahead of the green. He miraculously escaped the sand, pitching out to within six feet to set up a par putt for the tournament win.
But a miss meant play-off holes, and Rose was recalled from the driving range to play the 18th one more time. The Briton had experience here, having lost to Sergio Garcia in 2017.
Both men made the green in two strokes, McIlroy giving himself a slightly easier final shot than his opponent with a stunning approach. Rose missed his initial putt and finished the hole on par.
McIlroy holed out with a birdie, though, ending an 11-year wait for a major win and securing just the sixth career grand slam in golf history, also cueing some of the most emotional scenes this historic club has witnessed as he celebrated with his wife, daughter, players, and fans.
A thought must be spared, though, for Rose, who led into Saturday but fell well off the pace, recovering today as he claimed ten birdies to drag himself back into contention only to be cruelly denied at the final hurdle.
But today is McIlroy’s day. After years of hurt and heartbreak, he has reached the summit. A green blazer will suit him fine.
Masters 2025 latest leaderboard
Rory McIlroy secures the Career grand slam!
Monday 14 April 2025 00:17Ladies and gentlemen, he has done it!
And Rory McIlroy breaks down on the 18th green.
That is years and years and years in the making.
Rory McIlroy, Masters champion. Has a nice ring to it!
Sure he’ll suit a green blazer too...
Ball is in McIlroy's court
Monday 14 April 2025 00:15 , Arthur FerridgeRose misses his birdie putt, finishing the hole on par.
You know what that means. One shot for McIlroy to win it.
McIlroy claps back
Monday 14 April 2025 00:12 , Arthur FerridgeAnything you can do, I can do better.
So says Rory McIlroy as he makes his way to the green. His approach is more than equal to Rose’s. The two balls are on the same line, but McIlroy is about half as far out.
Two career-defining putts to come. Don’t go anywhere.
Rose sets himself up for a birdie putt
Monday 14 April 2025 00:10 , Arthur FerridgeA gorgeous approach from Rose means he is well within birdie range, but faces a tricky downhill putt.
All or nothing for McIlroy, now.
Two strong drives
Monday 14 April 2025 00:06Both men find the fairway. Nothing to separate them as yet.
Here we go
Monday 14 April 2025 00:03 , Arthur FerridgeYou may be wondering how a playoff round will work.
We will start from hole 18, and it is just sudden death. Just as simple as that.
Whoever wins this hole wins everything.
If they are still level? They will play hole 10. Should they remain level, holes 10 and 18 will be played alternately until the round is decided.
It all comes down to this. Can McIlroy cope? Can Rose continue his fantastic birdie form from today? Let’s see!
McIlroy misses his par putt
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:52 , Arthur FerridgeThat could (should) have been it! McIlroy misses from about six feet to set up a playoff!
Time to stick the kettle on, folks. There’s more golf to play!
McIlroy exits expertly
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:49 , Arthur FerridgeThe Irishman chips out to within six feet of the pin.
One putt for the blazer. This is it.
A wrinkle...
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:47 , Arthur FerridgeMcIlroy into the sand...
That is not what he needed.
Just for the record: to bogey this hole means playoff holes. A double bogey would make him a footnote on Justin Rose’s Wikipedia page.
All McIlroy needs is par on hole 18
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:37 , Arthur FerridgeAnd he has managed that in each of his three rounds this weekend.
But don’t count your chickens before they hatch!
We will be made to wait for McIlroy's final approach
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:35 , Arthur FerridgeThe group ahead are holding McIlroy and DeChambeau up a little, but they are now heading to the 18th tee box.
McIlroy into the lead
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:33 , Arthur FerridgeThis could be it, folks.
A birdie on 17 and McIlroy takes a one-stroke lead into the final hole of the weekend.
He is just one hole away now! He has the look of a man who is doing his absolute best to stay composed but is struggling somewhat.
Aberg's chances all but disappear
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:30 , Arthur FerridgeHe won’t want to watch that one back. Aberg looks to exit the bunker and hits his shot straight into the lip.
He is made to stand there and watch as it rolls right back to his feet, ending up in about the same place it started.
Meanwhile, the cameras cut to the driving range, where Justin Rose is unwinding/staying warm ahead of a potential playoff.
Aberg into the bunker on 18
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:24 , Arthur FerridgeHis title hopes are dwindling quickly.
It isn’t the worst drive you’ve ever seen, but far from the best. The Swede will play out from the sand on the final hole, but he will require an eagle if he is to revive his chances.
McIlroy misses birdie shot on 16
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:17 , Arthur FerridgePar will do for now, but McIlroy needs to find at least one birdie in the next two holes.
Elsewhere, Aberg bogeys number 17 to dim his chances slightly.
This is now a two-horse race. It all comes down to Rory.
Justin Rose, over the line
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:16 , Arthur FerridgeWhat a round from the veteran.
He finishes with 10 birdies for a score of -6, drawing level with McIlroy overall as he signs off his scorecard for the 2025 Masters.
Now, though, all he can do is watch.
McIlroy tackles hole 16 with aplomb
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:13 , Arthur FerridgeEvery hole has the potential to make or break McIlroy’s round now, and the pothole that is no.16 posed a massive threat.
He hits the green in one, though, setting up a theoretically simple birdie shot.
McIlroy misses eagle putt but retakes lead
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:10It was not a long putt, nor a challenging one, but McIlroy miss-hits a chance at an eagle, which would have put him two strokes clear in the lead.
He will have to settle for a birdie and a one-stroke advantage.
He is no longer in the spotlight, per se, but DeChambeau has recovered to -7 overall - a decent showing following his disastrous run on holes 11 and 12.
A shot for the ages
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:03 , Arthur FerridgeMcIlroy has just hit a recovery shot to beat all recovery shots.
Trapped by the trees to the left of the fairway, he hits a physics-defying curler right around the dogleg corner to within a metre of the pin.
A stunning moment. A champion's shot? Maybe...
What's on your mind, Rory?
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:02 , Arthur FerridgeYou shudder to think what thoughts must be running through that man’s head right now.
A two-stroke lead at the start of the day became a one-stroke deficit, then a four-stroke lead, and now a three-way power struggle with three holes left to play.
A three way tie for the lead!
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:59 , Arthur FerridgeA bogey for Rose on 17, a birdie for Aberg on 15.
That means Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Ludvig Aberg are all tied on -10 overall.
A three-way tie for the lead, with just a handful of holes remaining.
Don’t go anywhere! This is unmissable golf - history in the making.
We have a new leader!
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:53 , Arthur FerridgeDo not rub your eyes - Justin Rose is leading the Masters!
Another bogey for McIlroy compounds the misery of his last few holes as he gifts the lead back to Justin.
A penny for his thoughts?
Aberg is still right there
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:51 , Arthur FerridgeAberg birdies 15, taking him to -10 overall. That’s just one stroke behind Rose and McIlroy!
Only three holes to go for the Swede but so much golf still to play.
Rose is -6 so far today to McIlroy’s +1, which sums up the tie.
Without the double bogey, McIlroy would have been -1 on the day and still leading comfortably. What could have been?
McIlroy is falling apart... again
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:46 , Arthur FerridgeA double bogey on 13 and a drive into the trees on 14.
As he did earlier in the round, Rory is going to need to sit back, take a deep breath, and centre himself before he can try to see out these last few holes.
If ever there was a time to lock in, this is it.
Pundits bewildered
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:42 , Arthur FerridgeThe Sky Golf commentators seem absolutely baffled as to why McIlroy would attempt such a risky shot.
It was a tempting but totally unnecessary high-risk, high-reward shot.
He dropped it in the creek, and he may well pay the price.
Not long left now. McIlroy will have to sing for his supper.
Double bogey for McIlroy and Rose ties it!
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:39 , Arthur FerridgeA late-round disaster from Rory McIlroy in the final round of a major. Sounds oddly familiar. Deja vu...
Justin Rose records a birdie up the road to tie the tournament! This is unbelievable!
McIlroy hits the water!
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:34 , Arthur FerridgeWell, nothing was set in stone, but Rory McIlroy has just made a potentially tournament-defining error.
He hits the creek on hole 15. That is a shocking mistake from the Irishman.
Elsewhere on the course, Justin Rose’s ears are pricked. He couldn’t, could he?
Justin Rose keen to rain on McIlroy's parade
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:29Justin Rose is a thorn in McIlroy’s side, if you’ll excuse the pun.
He birdies the 14th to move to -10 overall, just three strokes shy of the leading Irishman.
Rose is best set to take advantage should he make a mistake, but that does not seem likely.
The DeChambeau capitulation continues
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:24 , Arthur FerridgeIt is another miss for the American, who hits another bogey on hole 12 to all but ruin his chances of getting near the trophy at the end of the day.
McIlroy, though, is cruising. He can say what he likes about ignoring the scoreboard, but he will know he just has to see this out. Keep it professional, keep it on the fairway, and get it over the line.
He is six holes from history.
Bogey for McIlroy, double for DeChambeau
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:13 , Arthur FerridgeA slight stumble for McIlroy as he records a bogey on hole 11.
But if he was going to bogey any hole, this was it. DeChambeau hits a double bogey to kneecap his own dreams of a trophy and solidify Rose’s role as the second-place contender.
DeChambeau recovers
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:11 , Arthur FerridgeThe pitch-up is good for DeChambeau, who is within a metre or so of the pin, but he will still be penalised for having hit the water hazard.
It will be slight consolation that Rose bogeyed the 14th, meaning he will not be too far off the pace, but his wait for a green blazer looks set to grow.
Gone fishin'
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:06 , Arthur FerridgeDisaster! DeChambeau hits into the water on hole 10 and he looks furious with himself.
He did not need that, and will be even further off the pace now as the resurgent rose steps beyond him.
More joy for McIlroy
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:56 , Arthur FerridgeBirdie? McIlroy? Again?
Getting a bit boring now. That’s his fourth of the round!
McIlroy moves to -14, four strokes clear of the new second-place contender Justin Rose as DeChambeau slips off the pace, settling for par on hole 10.
McIlroy eases through the gears
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:52 , Arthur FerridgeMcIlroy hits a sublime approach on the tenth fairway, getting impossibly close from about 130yds.
And to top it all off, he doesn’t even look happy with it!
A couple of holes ahead, Justin Rose misses an eagle putt by a hair’s breadth. He drops his hat and falls to his knees to remonstrate. That would have put him into second place had he sunk it.
Little to separate the rivals
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:44 , Arthur FerridgeThis will be a dogfight to the finish. Nine holes remain.
McIlroy steps further from the pack
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:41 , Arthur FerridgeRounding out the front nine, McIlroy adds another birdie. That takes him to -13 overall.
He goes four strokes clear of DeChambeau, who misses his own birdie putt and the chance to distance himself from Rose and Aberg.
McIlroy ends the front nine at -13, DeChambeau at -9. As we all well know, McIlroy has given up big leads late in rounds before (see: US Open 2024), so there is plenty of work to do.
He has history with hole ten here, also. Do not adjust your television sets!
Rose goes T2
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:36 , Arthur FerridgeAnother birdie for Rose means he draws level with DeChambeau in second place!
Yesterday was certainly a round to forget. Much of today’s front nine was equally anonymous.
But two birdies in two means Rosie has shoehorned himself back into title contention.
Joining him there is Aberg, who has also added another circle to his scorecard.
Hello, Justin Rose
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:30 , Arthur FerridgeRosie reminds us all that he is still in contention.
A colossal putt on the eleventh hole gives him a birdie and takes him to -8, one behind DeChambeau and four adrift of McIlroy.
He couldn’t. Could he?
Par on eight for McIlroy
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:28 , Arthur FerridgeAnd it draws a grimace from the Irishman. He knows that hole was an opportunity to extend his lead.
But DeChambeau will draw no closer, also finishing the hole on par.
The buffer remains at three.
Day in the drink
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:18 , Arthur FerridgeThe less said about that, the better.
Day will have to go fishing for his eighth tee shot - he hits the exact centre of the pond.
Back in the sand
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:17 , Arthur FerridgeBoth deChambeau and McIlroy find the bunker on the eighth fairway.
Up the road, Rose has overcome some jitters to finish the front nine at -2, while Aberg remains within one stroke of DeChambeau.
You can tell he enjoyed that one
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:13 , Arthur FerridgeMcIlroy seemed more than pleased with his approach shot on hole seven
Hero to zero for McIlroy
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:10 , Arthur FerridgeAnd just like that, McIlroy comes crashing back down to Earth. It is his turn to miss a straightforward putt, leaving his birdie attempt short.
Still, though. To play your second shot from such dense foliage and come away with a par is no mean feat.
DeChambeau also played an impressive recovery, finishing the seventh on par after he very nearly chipped in from the greenside bunker.
DeChambeau looks bewildered as McIlroy cackles
Sunday 13 April 2025 21:05 , Arthur FerridgeHe aims for the seventh green, finds the bunker, and looks around in total confusion.
He looks down at his club head as if to check whether he used the right one. No time for excuses, though, there is a sand trap to contend with.
McIlroy’s drive into the rough was not ideal, but he plays a wedge from the long grass and his shot rolls within inches of the green.
He walks away, laughing. That is more emotion than we have seen from him all week. Must bode well, right?
Putting problems for DeChambeau
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:56 , Arthur FerridgeThe short game is not falling his way today. A birdie putt on six goes wide by about 5cm, meaning both the leaders will par the hole.
McIlroy maintains a three-stroke lead. He sits at -12, DeChambeau at -9.
Re: Aberg challenging for the title
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:50 , Arthur FerridgeThat may no longer be the case, I am sorry to report.
A lack of experience seems to be inhibiting the 25-year-old as he misses a birdie putt on seven. He remains within reach, though.
Back on six, McIlroy and Dechambeau both find the green with their tee shots, but DeChambeau looks to be about ten feet closer to the pin. He high-fives some fans on the commute to his second shot.
Another wayward putt for DeChambeau
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:45 , Arthur FerridgeAny nerves McIlroy had shook off have clearly been transferred to DeChambeau. He sends another putt wide and away to miss out on what could have been another birdie. He will have to settle for par.
McIlroy recovers from his poor drive to par.
McIlroy escapes
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:39Of course he does. That’s just what he does.
McIlroy lofts his shot out of the woods, over a TV tower, and just centimetres off the back of the green.
How good is he? That man is not here to lose.
Aberg forces the issue
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:36 , Arthur FerridgeA birdie for the Swede on hole six puts him to -8 overall.
That is just one behind DeChambeau. Could Aberg disrupt the championship conversation here?
McIlroy goes foraging
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:33 , Arthur FerridgeLooks as though those early-round jitters haven’t been entirely put to bed.
McIlroy blazes drive five way into the woods. He isn’t doing himself any favours as DeChambeau finds the fairway with ease.
From bad to worse for DeChambeau as McIlroy solidifies lead
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:30 , Arthur FerridgeIt will be a second consecutive bogey for DeChambeau as he three-putts the fourth hole.
A birdie for McIlroy means the Irishman has restored his start-of-round lead and more - he is now three strokes clear atop the standings.
Rose improves
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:26 , Arthur FerridgeAnother birdie for Justin Rose takes him to -6 overall. He is making a much better account of himself today than yesterday.
DeChambeau misses again
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:18 , Arthur FerridgeYour eyes do not deceive you - McIlroy retakes the lead!
DeChambeau misses the initial putt and goes on to miss the recovery, three-putting to bogey hole five.
That gives McIlroy a one-stroke lead, and the fans don’t seem to mind that one bit.
A big miss for DeChambeau as McIlroy draws even
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:16 , Arthur FerridgeThat suits McIlroy down to the ground.
On hole three, the American putts from around 20 feet but doesn’t quite read it right, missing to the left.
The ball rolls on, though, ending up a good few feet on the opposite side of the hole.
And McIlroy pounces, grabbing the opportunity to move level with both hands.
Aberg misses another chance to apply pressure
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:12 , Arthur FerridgeA would-be-birdie goes begging as Aberg misses what looks to be a fairly straightforward putt on hole four.
Elsewhere, McIlroy seems to have woken up, as he hits a sweet approach onto the third green. He will know he has to shake off those early nerves as soon as possible if he is to remain in the conversation here.
McIlroy recovers, but DeChambeau leads
Sunday 13 April 2025 20:04 , Arthur FerridgeAfter hitting the sand and missing the mark with his approach shot, McIlroy recovers to par on hole 2.
DeChambeau will birdie the hole to take the lead.
The good news? There is still plenty of time for McIlroy to recover. Let’s see what he can do.
The leaderboard continues to shuffle
Sunday 13 April 2025 19:55Away from the leading pair, the leaderboard is full of movement.
A hole-one bogey has dropped Conners to -7 overall, while Rose has hit two birdies and a bogey on the first four holes to move one stroke closer to McIlroy and DeChambeau.
Scheffler, Lowry, and Schaufelle all remain on par.
He's done it again!
Sunday 13 April 2025 19:49 , Arthur FerridgeIf yesterday was a historically fast start for McIlroy as he became the first to ever score 3s on each of the first six holes at the Masters, today could go down in history as one of the worst.
McIlroy finds the bunker with his hole two drive as DeChambeau’s opener sails within one stroke of the green.
Double bogey for McIlroy on hole one
Sunday 13 April 2025 19:45 , Arthur FerridgeThat is a miserable start - DeChambeau draws level on the first hole as McIlroy struggles to recover from his wayward first drive.
And just like that, his lead evaporates and the tournament is blown wide open.
Subpar starts for both of the favourites
Sunday 13 April 2025 19:33 , Arthur FerridgeHis first drive crashes into the bunker with a comic ‘thud’.
DeChambeau, though, receives raucous applause from the crowd and goes on to hook his drive well left of the fairway.
Feeling the nerves, lads?
McIlroy and DeChambeau begin their rounds
Sunday 13 April 2025 19:30 , Arthur FerridgeHere. We. Go. The most hotly anticipated round of golf in recent memory is now underway.
What awaits over the next four hours? Will it be history or heartbreak for McIlroy? Can DeChambeau complete another comeback against the Irishman?
Stay tuned to find out.
Conners and Reed enter the fray
Sunday 13 April 2025 19:24 , Arthur FerridgeThe penultimate group of the day get themselves underway, both finding the fairways with their first shots.
Scheffler, Lowry, and Schaufelle are underway
Sunday 13 April 2025 19:19 , Arthur FerridgeAll three are even: Scheffler and Lowry through one, Schaufelle through two.
"The greatest moment of the millenium"
Sunday 13 April 2025 19:10 , Arthur FerridgeThat is some call from Sir Nick Faldo.
The six-time major winner says a win today for McIlroy would be the greatest golfing moment of the millennium.
Sorry, Tiger. Don’t take it personally.
In the meantime...
Sunday 13 April 2025 19:05 , Arthur FerridgeJustin Rose is underway!
He will be disappointed to be where he is on the leaderboard, starting the day seven strokes shy of McIlroy despite leading into Saturday.
Could a comeback be on the cards for the 44-year-old Londoner?
He has managed a birdie on hole one. Start as you mean to go on, right?
DeChambeau and McIlroy prepare for a career-defining round
Sunday 13 April 2025 18:57 , Arthur FerridgeOf all the people to bump in to on the putting green, McIlroy probably will not have wanted to see Bryson DeChambeau.
The pair share the practice area ahead of their match.
Schaufelle the first to set sights on the leaderboard
Sunday 13 April 2025 18:47 , Arthur FerridgeXander Schaufelle has embarked on his final round, and could well be the first player of the day to demand a rearrangement of the leaderboard.
He gets started at -4 after shooting a 70 on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hideki Matsuyama closes out his 18 holes with a bogey, though hits -6 for the day. A fantastic effort.
The leaders are fast approaching
Sunday 13 April 2025 18:31 , Arthur FerridgeThe business end of the tournament looms: there are just 20 more minutes to wait until a title contender embarks on his final round.
Xander Schaufelle is due to get underway at 6:40pm BST, with Justin Rose and Zach Johnson just behind him.
The round of the day, though, McIlroy and Dechambeau, begins an hour from now.
McIlroy has arrived at the course
Sunday 13 April 2025 18:30 , Arthur FerridgeIf Rory McIlroy is feeling any nerves ahead of today’s round, he is not showing them. He says he spent the morning watching tennis to allay the stress.
He said: “Sunday mornings are good for sport, so I watched Alcaraz win in Monte Carlo, some soccer, some F1, I just kept myself distracted with other sports. Once you get to the golf course, things settle down, you get into your routine, do what is familiar, and that is comforting.”
On his historic six straight threes to start yesterday’s round, he said: “I am certainly not expecting that start again, but I think just going out there, hitting the first fairway, hitting the first green, and going from there. I can only control the moment in front of me and that starts with the first tee shot.”
Matsuyama absolutely flying
Sunday 13 April 2025 18:18 , Arthur FerridgeThe 2021 Masters champion is playing the round of his life!
He is -6 through 15 holes, undoing the mire of his earlier rounds to take his overall score to -2 with three holes remaining in his 2025 Masters.
He has hit back-to-back birdies twice already this round, on holes 8 and 9, and 14 and 15.
Greens seem to be causing problems
Sunday 13 April 2025 18:10 , Arthur FerridgeSeveral of those out on the course already look to be having a tricky time reading the greens.
Jon Rahm is the latest to fall victim, very slightly overhitting a long range, heavily breaking putt and falling about six feet foul of the pin.
The short game may well be a defining factor of this evening’s rounds.
Morikawa the next to set out
Sunday 13 April 2025 17:59 , Arthur FerridgeTwo-time major champion Colin Morikawa is set to tee off in a few moments.
He finished third at last year’s Masters, seven strokes shy of the untouchable Scheffler, but both men have been unable to replicate their form this year.
Morikawa sits at just -3 going into Sunday, with Scheffler not particularly far up the road at -5.
Box office Fleetwood
Sunday 13 April 2025 17:50 , Arthur FerridgeTommy Fleetwood is yet to par a hole through five, recording three birdies and two bogeys.
He is even overall.
A frustrating start for Niemann
Sunday 13 April 2025 17:32 , Arthur FerridgeThe Chilean flew off the mark yesterday, -2 after four holes, and could have started his final round with another birdie.
His long-range birdie putt, though, misses by not more than a centimetre.
The state of the greens
Sunday 13 April 2025 17:23If today’s early rounds have taught us anything, the putting greens look faster than they have done for the rest of the weekend.
The contenders already making their way around the course have struggled with their short game, as Brian Campbell is shown on broadcast overshooting a birdie putt on hole 13, as does Tom Kim.
The condition of the greens will be something to keep an eye on over the course of the evening.
A reminder of the day's tee times
Sunday 13 April 2025 17:12 , Arthur FerridgeA good portion of the field have started their rounds already, though today will be something of an exercise in patience for golf fans.
As ever, the ranking leaders will be the last to tee off today, meaning we are still a few hours from seeing any title hopefuls start their rounds.
Here are the key tee times to know:
6.50pm BST: Justin Rose (Eng), Zach Johnson (US)
7pm: Scottie Scheffler (US), Shane Lowry (Ire)
7.10pm: Ludvig Aberg (Swe), Jason Day (Aus)
7.20pm: Corey Conners (Can), Patrick Reed (US)
7.30pm: Rory McIlroy (NI), Bryson DeChambeau (US)
You can see the UK tee times in full here.
Textbook from Fleetwood
Sunday 13 April 2025 17:06 , Arthur FerridgeTommy Fleetwood is doing his best Rory McIlroy impression, hitting birdie on the first two holes of his final round to drop his overall score to -1.
It is some of the most straightforward golf you’ll see - with the pressure off, he looks set to enjoy his day in the sun at Augusta.
Aaron Rai embarks on his final round
Sunday 13 April 2025 16:58 , Arthur FerridgeTo make your Masters debut at 30 years of age is far from easy, but Aaron Rai has made a great account of himself this weekend.
He was -2 after day one and even after day two, before a dramatic round three saw him par just half of the holes on the course, contrasting five bogeys with four straight birdies between holes 13 and 16.
So, his golf is nothing if not entertaining. You should look forward to seeing him at future editions of the Masters.
DeChambeau's approach
Sunday 13 April 2025 16:45 , Arthur FerridgeToday is just as big an opportunity for DeChambeau as it is for McIlroy, and overcoming that two-shot deficit will be no mean feat.
His approach to the round will be a straightforward one.
Yesterday, he said: “Just one shot at a time – get into every shot and execute to the best of your ability. That’s all you can focus on."
Checking in on Willett
Sunday 13 April 2025 16:35 , Arthur FerridgeThe best action of the day is still a while away, but Sheffield-born former Masters Champion Danny Willett is already making his way around the links in one of the early rounds.
He is -1 through four holes, a birdie on hole two the only deviation from his run of par finishes.
Elsewhere, Tommy Fleetwood got underway five minutes ago and is still on hole one, while Matt Fitzpatrick is also on par.
McIlroy's assessment of the 2024 US Open capitulation
Sunday 13 April 2025 16:25 , Arthur FerridgeMcIlroy and DeChambeau were not in the same party as the latter came back to win last year’s US Open at Pinehurst, though McIlroy was still all too aware of where his rival was thanks to the course layout, which regularly doubles back on itself.
Here is his assessment of that round, where he recorded three bogeys in the final four holes: “Those last few holes, the way that golf course flows, you are very aware of what is happening behind you. It is hard enough having to concentrate on yourself, but whenever your focus is taken away to look at what your competitor does, it makes it even more difficult. It was a combination of everything that went into me playing those last four holes in three over par.”
That was distraction enough, but how will he cope playing alongside DeChambeau today?
McIlroy backs himself ahead of the final round
Sunday 13 April 2025 16:15Rory McIlroy met the press after his Saturday round, saying he is keen to build on his momentum from the weekend after having a laid-back Saturday night.
He said: "I think I am a sort of momentum player. There is a balance, though. You know, you have to try to ride that momentum as much as you can but then also temper it with a little bit of rationale and logic.
"I've got a lot of experience. I came in here talking about being the most complete version of myself as a golfer, and you know, I just have to keep reminding myself of that and remind myself that no matter what situation or scenario I find myself in tomorrow, I'll be able to handle it"
Willett quick out of the gates
Sunday 13 April 2025 16:05 , Arthur FerridgeThe first Brit to take on the course today is Danny Willett, and he starts well with a birdie on hole two, taking him to +2 overall.
His countryman Justin Rose started Saturday as a title favourite but is now something of an outsider after finishing at +3. He is seven strokes behind leader McIlroy now, and will tee off at 6:50pm BST this evening, playing with Zach Johnson.
It all comes down to this
Sunday 13 April 2025 15:52 , Arthur FerridgeWelcome to Sunday at the Masters, one of the sweetest days on the sporting calendar.
Forecast is for a hot, sunny day flush with narrative as Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau top the charts heading into the final round. They went head-to-head for the US Open Championship last year, with McIlroy bogeying three of the final four holes to squander his lead.
Today, therefore, will be an emotional rematch as McIlroy looks to complete a career grand slam and win a first major since 2014.
The pair tee off at 7:30pm BST, with Corey Conners, Patrick Reed, Ludvig Aberg, and Jason Day all heading out ahead.
Selected Sunday tee times in UK
Sunday 13 April 2025 11:20 , Alex YoungHere’s when the leading contenders will tee off.
6.50pm: Justin Rose (Eng), Zach Johnson (US)
7pm: Scottie Scheffler (US), Shane Lowry (Ire)
7.10pm: Ludvig Aberg (Swe), Jason Day (Aus)
7.20pm: Corey Conners (Can), Patrick Reed (US)
7.30pm: Rory McIlroy (NI), Bryson DeChambeau (US)
You can see the UK tee times in full here.
Thanks for following along!
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:26That will do it for The Standard’s coverage of Saturday at the Masters.
Catch up with all the action here and come back tomorrow for another blog covering the final showdown between Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy.
See you there!
Rose and DeChambeau round out the day
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:00 , Arthur FerridgeThat will do it for Saturday!
Justin Rose will want to forget that round about as soon as possible as he holes out on the 18th with a score of +3 on the day, -5 overall. He was top at the start of the day, but that must feel like a distant memory for the Briton.
DeChambeau, though, will be McIlroy’s closest challenger on Sunday, sitting just two strokes behind the Irishman after claiming a birdie with his final stroke of the day.
Mcilroy closes out the round
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:52 , Arthur FerridgeAnd he will take a commanding lead into Sunday. Another par on the 18th takes his overall total to -12 going into the final day of the tournament, and that career grand slam is now closer than ever.
Alongside him, Conners’ score is not too far off, ending his run in third place at -8.
It is all to play for tomorrow!
More misfortune for Rose
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:44 , Arthur FerridgeJustin Rose’s dismal day takes another knock as he rims out on the 16th green, turning a near-certain par into a disappointing bogey.
Just not his day.
Corey Conners, the people's champion?
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:31 , Arthur FerridgeWhere did Corey Conners come from?
Before this weekend, he had just two PGA Tour wins to his name and had never finished higher than T6 at a major championship, that result coming at the 2022 Masters, yet he is now on the verge of entering the final day of this year’s contest in third place.
He is currently just four strokes behind McIlroy and one behind DeChambeau. He is well ahead of Scottie Scheffler, who finishes his Saturday round even for an overall score of -5.
Regardless of what happens tomorrow, Conners has proved he can keep pace with the best in the game.
Rose and DeChambeau put on a show on 16
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:22 , Arthur FerridgeTwo of the best tee shots you’ll see on hole 16 at Augusta.
DeChambeau launches his drive and drops it not more than two yards from the pin.
Rose steps up and matches him exactly.
A classy pair of efforts from two of the best in the game.
Rose birdies 14
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:15It has not been an easy day for Justin Rose, but he will draw on all the experience of his near-30-year career as he looks to close the gap to McIlroy.
Another birdie on 14 will help with that, and he has four holes remaining to chip away further at the lead.
Day closes out a strong round
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:09Australia’s Jason Day start Sunday at -5, a healthy platform, but he will still require a small miracle to catch the leaders. He was -1 on the day.
Shane Lowry is another pushing towards a top slot for Sunday’s tee times. He is currently -7 overall, equal with Rose and DeChambeau.
There will be little to separate the field tomorrow evening, though McIlroy will carry a strong lead over.
McIlroy bags an eagle!
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:02 , Arthur FerridgeThat is exactly what he needed! McIlroy pulls off a wonderful eagle put on hole 15 to extend his lead to four strokes - you couldn’t really ask for a better cushion going into Sunday.
He is now -6 on the day, -12 overall, and still totally stone-faced. Not an ounce of emotion - he knows the job isn’t finished.
McIlroy approaches the end of his round
Saturday 12 April 2025 22:51Just the four holes to go now for McIlroy, and he maintains a two-stroke lead to Conners. He will want to open that gap as wide as he can before the end of the day, though, to give himself the best possible chance of surviving Sunday.
Likewise, time is running out for Justin Rose to recover. A win for the 44-year-old would be as romantic a story as a win for McIlroy, but Rose has been off the pace today and will need to take some action if he is to stay in contention for tomorrow.
Reed holes out at -6
Saturday 12 April 2025 22:40 , Arthur FerridgeA strong showing from Patrick Reed today, who finished -2 on the day and -6 overall, just four strokes behind the leader McIlroy.
The 2018 Masters Champion will be an outside contender tomorrow afternoon.
The driving force behind Rory's success
Saturday 12 April 2025 22:33 , Arthur FerridgeMcIlroy’s good fortune this weekend is due in no small part to his driving game.
Today he recorded the longest drive on hole four of the weekend, hitting 371yds.
Patrick Cantlay, in second place, only managed 315yds, a difference of 56yds.
The Irishman has such a well-rounded game, but the driving really sets him apart.
McIlroy's fast start has faded
Saturday 12 April 2025 22:26 , Arthur FerridgeMcIlroy has slowed up somewhat since scoring three on each of the first six holes.
He has had two bogeys since, and his tee shot on 13 has landed with a nasty lie, right on the lip of the bunker behind the green.
Let’s see how he plays out of this. A bogey would see him drop on level with DeChambeau and Conners.
Another thorn for Rose
Saturday 12 April 2025 22:18 , Arthur FerridgeA bogey on hole 11 sees Rose fall slightly further behind McIlroy.
Of course, he is still very much poised to come back in Sunday’s rounds, but he will hope to pull slightly closer to his rival before heading home for the evening.
"It's a cruel game"
Saturday 12 April 2025 22:11 , Arthur FerridgeThe cards just aren’t falling for Rose, who nails a gorgeous approach shot onto the eleventh green but has to watch in agony as it dribbles off the side of the green into a deep valley.
Sometimes it just isn’t your day, but that is the nature of golf.
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