The Masters stands as one of golfâs most prestigious tournaments, making playoffs a relatively uncommon occurrence. Typically, the sportâs elite secure victory without the need for a tiebreaker. However, Rory McIlroy, on the cusp of claiming the coveted title, will now face Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff after both finished tied at -11.
The last Masters to be decided by a playoff was the 2017 edition, eight years prior to the 2025 tournament. Notably, Justin Rose was also a participant in that recent playoff, ultimately falling to Sergio Garcia of Spain. Both players walked away with prizes exceeding a million dollars.
Starting in 2025, this will be the tournamentâs most recent playoffâa fresh heartbreak for Rose, who faced a similar fate again. Yet, he remains one of the worldâs most formidable golfers.
How did the playoff happen at the 2025 Masters?
It came down to Rory McIlroy, who failed to capitalize on an easy shot at the final hole and ended up recording a bogey â the kind of costly mistake that has haunted his career for years. Since 2015, McIlroy has been one of the golfers most plagued by tournament struggles, and itâs continued to stand in the way of him capturing another Grand Slam title.
How rare are playoffs in the big golf tournaments?
Playoffs in major golf tournaments arenât extremely rare, but they donât happen every year either â especially at events like The Masters. Some majors, like the U.S. Open or PGA Championship, are more likely to end in a playoff due to tighter scoring margins and tougher course setups.
