Rory McIlroy Is Attempting Something At The 2025 Masters That Hasn’t Been Done For 90 Years

This week Rory McIlroy will be making his 17th start in the Masters at Augusta as he still hunts his first success in the opening golf major of the season. And there is an added subplot to McIlroy’s participation his year – as he’ll be looking to become only the sixth player to win the golf Career Grand Slam.

McIlroy will head into the final day on Sunday 13th April leading the field on -6, so can he fend off the challengers and win his first green jacket – plus also land golf’s Grand Slam?

Rory McIlroy Will Be Trying To Become The SIXTH Player To Win The Golf Career Grand Slam

Over his 17-year career as pro, Rory McIlroy has won most of the main tournaments – including three of the four majors (four in total), but he’s famously still to get his hands on the Masters trophy – having tried sixteen times heading into 2025.

McIlroy won his first three majors in only 24 starts – but since his last, the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, the County Down big hitter has played in 39 more majors without success.

These include ten more appearances in the Masters.

However, heading into 2025 he’s still the only player in this year’s event that has the chance of becoming a ‘Golf Career Grand Slam’ winner, should be break his Masters duck.

Rory McIlroy Major Wins

How Many Players Have Won The Golf Career Grand Slam?

The answer is only five – as Rory McIlroy will be looking to become the sixth.

However, of these five only one completed ‘the slam’ at the Masters – which was 90 years ago this year.

Gene Sarazen was the first player to land the golf career grand slam back in 1935 – having won his first major (US Open) in 1922.

And remains the only player to complete the four-timer with a Masters win – something McIlroy could match this week.

Sarazen’s win in the Masters was even more remarkable as the US player was three shots back after three rounds.

And with just four holes to play was looking booked for a place finish – rather than the win.

However, what followed was one of the most famous shots in golf history as Gene Sarazen was on the par 5 15th hole – 235 yards from the hole – but hit a 4-wood into the green, which holed for an albatross (2 shots on a par 5).

Meaning he was now tied for the lead.

This was the first ever albatross in Masters history and remained the only one in the first 32 years of the event.

In fact, there have only ever been FOUR albatrosses to this day in the Masters.

Sarazen went onto win the 1935 Masters in a 36-hole play-off – becoming the first player to complete the modern-day golf career grand slam.

With the 2025 Masters marking 90 years since Sarazen’s famous win.

The bridge on the 15th hole was named in honour of the famous shot ‘The Sarazen Bridge’ in 1955 – to make the 20-year anniversary of that famous albatross shot.

His 1935 Masters win was also the only time Gene Sarazan landed the major. But in total won seven majors and 38 PGA Tour events in his career.

Gene Sarazan Majors Record

Four More Players Have Won The Golf Career Grand Slam

Since then, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and, of course, Tiger Woods are the other four names who have got the golf career grand slam in their CV’s – can Rory become the sixth in 2025?

The best golfing betting sites in the UK are suggesting he’s got every chance – McIlroy is second in the market only to the two-time winner Scottie Scheffler.

Career Grand Slam Golf Winners🏆

What Has Been Rory McIlroy’s Best Masters Finish?

Rory McIlroy’s best finish at the Masters came only three years ago in 2022 when he finished second behind Scottie Scheffler after posting 281 – which was three shots of the lead.

From his sixteen appearances at the Masters McIlroy has only missed the cut three times and has finished in the top ten seven times.

During his Masters career Rory McIlroy has also banked an incredible $4,343,021 despite never winning the tournament.

Playing 58 rounds at the event, with an average score of 71.60.

Every Rory McIlroy Masters Finish and Score ⛳

Rory McIlroy Masters Facts and Stats 🏌️

Masters Champions Over The Last 10 Years

Note: All stats on this page are correct 9th April 2025