As the sun rises over Augusta National for the final round of the 2025 Masters, all eyes are on Rory McIlroy, who carries a two-shot advantage and the weight of history on his shoulders. The Northern Irishman stands just 18 holes away from completing the career grand slam, a feat achieved by only the most elite players in golf history.
McIlroy will face a stern challenge in Sunday's final pairing from Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning U.S. Open champion, who sits just two strokes behind. The highly anticipated showdown between two of golf's biggest names promises to deliver a compelling conclusion to this year's first major championship.
Canadian Corey Conners and 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed are also positioned to make Sunday charges. Reed's performance has been particularly noteworthy, as his putting has improved in consecutive rounds. The former champion has displayed remarkable consistency, missing only six fairways and recording just seven bogeys through 54 holes, while completely avoiding the double-bogeys that often derail contenders at Augusta National.
According to tournament metrics, Reed ranks fourth in both around-the-green play and tee-to-green statistics, suggesting he has the complete game needed to make a final-day surge. Based on Statbet analysis, players with Reed's statistical profile have historically made significant Sunday moves at Augusta, particularly when starting within striking distance of the leaders.
Justin Thomas, despite struggling with his ball-striking through the first three rounds, could be poised for a Sunday birdie barrage. The two-time major champion ranks second in birdie-or-better percentage on the PGA Tour this season and has demonstrated an ability to bounce back dramatically, as evidenced by his performance at THE PLAYERS earlier this year where he followed a disastrous 78 with a spectacular 62.
The oddsmakers clearly favor McIlroy, listing him at -200 to capture his first green jacket, with DeChambeau at +250 as the primary challenger. Conners sits at +1800, while world-class talents Scottie Scheffler and Ludvig Aberg are both listed at +3500 despite being further back.
As Augusta National prepares to crown its 2025 champion, the stage is set for a dramatic final round that could finally see McIlroy join golf's most exclusive club or witness another competitor etch their name in Masters history.
