By Caden Crowley’28
After a long weekend at the Masters, it all came down to Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, who teed off at 2:30 p.m on April 13, 2025. McIlroy entered leading at 12-under par, with DeChambeau right behind at 10-under. Their pairing set the stage for a historical match at Augusta National.
As the final round slowly closed, the leaderboard tightened. Rory McIlroy was looking to secure his first ever Masters win and complete the career Grand Slam. Bryson DeChambeau, known for his power game, wanted to add a green jacket to his already impressive record and be the first LIV Golf player to ever win the Masters. Throughout the final round, McIlroy and DeChambeau traded spots. On the 13th hole, DeChambeau took the lead, but McIlroy quickly regained first after making a double bogey on the same hole. Corey Conners, an unexpected contender during the Masters, also made a strong push. Justin Rose finished in 2nd place, just behind, with an impressive performance throughout the final round. McIlroy seemed to feel the pressure as DeChambeau and others closed in on the lead.
After an intense matchup on Sunday, Rory McIlroy was claimed winner after missing a crucial putt on the 18th hole and heading to a playoff with Justin Rose, where he quickly sealed the deal. At the Frederick Gunn School, many students closely followed the Masters, with a wide range of people tuning in to watch history.
Brigs Nye ’25 said he was pulling for McIlroy from day one and believed this win was the “peak moment” of an already legendary career. “Rory earned that win,” he said, adding that while Bryson played well, it felt right to see McIlroy finally get the green jacket and hold the trophy above his head. Billy Mascari ’26 had mixed feelings, admitting he wanted DeChambeau to win but still appreciated Rory’s accomplishments. “The tournament was unbelievable,” Mascari said. “Tensions were high, especially on the back nine. I watched unreal shots and missed putts everywhere.” Braden O’Neill ’25 highlighted how special the Masters felt this year. “It’s so cool how clean it is, meaning no ads, no phones. Everyone’s just present,” he said. “And Rory finally getting the Grand Slam? That made it unforgettable.” Rory McIlroy’s win wasn’t just historic to the Masters, but it showed real excitement at the Frederick Gunn School.
