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The Masters Tournament 2025: Poppy McIlroy sinks mega putt at par 3 contest

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

At the Par 3 Contest before the Masters Tournament 2025, the focus was once again on fun. It’s all the more amazing when the mini stars also shine with sporting performances. Like Poppy McIlroy this year. Rory McIlory‘s four-year-old daughter holed a downhill putt from over 7.5 meters on hole 9 of the short course. She only had to tap the ball once with the putter she was holding in one hand.

The cheers were huge, not only from proud dad McIlroy and flight partner and hype man Shane Lowry, but also from the spectators around them.

Poppy McIlroy converts the lengthy putt on No. 9! #themasters pic.twitter.com/6Vfkfxm3v7 — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2025

However, the sudden excitement surrounding her unsettled the four-year-old a little and she had to be comforted by her dad and mom. A major tournament sure is exhausting!

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Why Isn’t Rory McIlory At The Masters Champions Dinner?

Rory McIlroy in the last round of the 2023 Masters Tournament. (Image: Getty)
Rory McIlroy in the last round of the 2023 Masters Tournament. (Image: Getty)

Rory McIlroy is one of the worlds outstanding golfers, both on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. But with appearances on all Majors, Tour finals and every other big tournament there is in golf, one special occasion is still missing in McIlroys yearly schedule, the Masters Champions Dinner.

The Masters Tournament 2025 – All Scores

Rory McIlroy and The Masters Champions Dinner at Augusta National

So why is Rory McIlroy not invited to the famous Masters Dinner? As the official name of the – probably most famous – dinner in golf suggests, the “Masters Champions Dinner” is just for the elite circle of past and reigning Masters Champions. The tradition was originally startet by Ben Hogan back in the 1950s and is continued as a popular tradition, not just for the attendees, but for golf fans as well. The Masters Champions Dinner Menu is a talking point for many and is chosen by the reigning Masters Champion from the previous year.

So Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and this years host Jon Rahm are going to be present, but Rory McIlroy didn’t get an invite. Because as simple as it is, he hasn’t won a Masters Tournament yet.

Rory McIlroy at The Masters Tournament

So for McIlroy the Masters-Odyssey doesn’t stop at a missing invite to this dinner. The Northern Irishman is negatively famous for being “cursed” at the first Major of each golf season. With wins at the PGA Championship, the US Open and the Open Championship the only Major missing for his Grand Slam is the Masters Tournament.

Rory McIlroy’s tee times for the Masters Tournament 2025

In 2022 the Northern Irishman came close to a victory with a second place but fumbled in his last round and Scottie Scheffler claimed his first Major title in response. In 2023 McIlroy even missed the cut.

Who Pays For The Masters Champions Dinner?
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Who Pays For The Masters Champions Dinner?

The traditional annual Masters Champions Dinner at the Augusta National Golf Club. (Image: Twitter/@themasters)
The traditional annual Masters Champions Dinner at the Augusta National Golf Club. (Image: Twitter/@themasters)

The greatest players on golf, all gathered at a dinner table? This happens once every year with the Masters Champions Dinner. All previous Masters Tournament Champions come together the Tuesday before the event and dine a menu chosen by the reigning Champion.

The Masters Tournament 2025 – All Scores

The Start Of A Tradition – Thanks To Ben Hogan

The tradition started with none other than Ben Hogan in 1952, when the Champion of the 1951’s edition first invited the other Masters Champions to a “stag dinner at the Augusta National” as quoted in the invitation posted on Hungry Fan. From burgers and fries (Tigers first Masters Dinner at just 22 years old) over haggis to a traditional Basque menu in the 2024 Champions Dinner held by Jon Rahm, the food choices of the Major Champions are quite different each year.

But no worries for picky eaters, if you don’t like parts of the menu the Augusta National offers the normal menu to choose from instead. Altough, as Trevor Immelman stated in the Fore Play Podcast recently, it’s always best to try the options chosen by the Champions which are “always extraordinary”.

Rory McIlroy’s tee times for the Masters Tournament 2025

Who Pays For The Masters Tournament Champions Dinner?

Trevor Immelman not only spoke about his experience attending the Dinner as a guest but also what it is like hosting the iconic evening. The 2008 Masters Champion revealed that the host not only chooses the menu but also has to pay for the evening. “The defending champion does pay for the meal which is a really cool tradition”, Immelman said in the Fore Play Podcast. And for such a special night the Augusta National carries out some of the finest bourbons, so the Masters Champions – in this case Immelman and Adam Scott – get a taste and end the night on a high note (with a peaty flavor in the finish).

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Skipping the ball at the Masters Tournament – here’s how!

Skip it and then in with it - the guide to taking an extra tenner off your flight partner! (Photo: Getty)
Skip it and then in with it - the guide to taking an extra tenner off your flight partner! (Photo: Getty)

The practice rounds before the start of the first major of the golf year are usually accompanied by countless spectators. The players are free to decide whether and how they take part in the practice rounds, but most of them logically take the opportunity to sound out the course once again before the Masters Tournament begins. As Augusta National, perhaps the most exclusive club in the world, is not always playable for everyone, even for the professionals, very few miss out on the chance of a dress rehearsal. And towards the end of the round, a special appetiser awaits that the players won’t miss, even without spectators.

The Masters Tournament 2025 – All Scores

Martin Kaymer and Jon Rahm with chip-in at the Masters Tournament

The highlight of the dress rehearsal is the 16th hole. Here the players traditionally try to let the ball flit over the pond of the almost 160 metre long par-3 and then get up the bank onto the green. Martin Kaymer achieved an extraordinary feat in 2012: it felt like 25 taps over the pond and then in it goes! A hole in one of the “once in a lifetime” variety – and the crowd goes wild.

Jon Rahm performed this feat in November 2020 without a spectator – but the video went around the world.

Skipping the ball in style

The fact that Rahm and Martin Kaymer have mastered such a shot is not surprising. But the question is how you can take an extra ten from your flight partner in the next round if you do the same to Martin Kaymer – well, perhaps at least as well. Kelly Rohrbach and Blair O’Neal show you how to do it in the GolfDigest service.

So: long iron or hybrid – the main thing is low loft – then open up the stance and the clubface a little and, most importantly, hit the ball first. Balls that are hit fat rarely make it over the water. A flat punch swing does the rest and before you know it, the reward is secured in the clubhouse.

Flicking balls like at the Masters Tournament- here’s how

Bryson DeChambeau explains the science behind it. The ball has to hit the water at an angle of around 30°, he explains. His theory: the spin of the ball creates a higher water density under the ball than above it. If the ball hits the water with enough force, it will then orientate itself in the direction of the lower water pressure and bounce back up.

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Has Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament?

Has Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament before?
Has Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament before?

Rory McIlroy is one of the best golfers of his generation and beyond. The Northern Irishman has already won numerous titles on the PGA Tour in his career and McIlroy has also won several of the four major events. However, the Northern Irishman is only one title short of becoming a legend.

Rory McIlroys outstanding carrer

Rory McIlroy won his first professional event at the age of just 20, launching his great career. Two years later, he achieved his first triumph at a major event when he won the US Open with the best score ever achieved at this tournament of 16 strokes under par. In March 2012, at the age of 22, he became the second youngest number 1 in the world golf rankings of all time and won his second major at the PGA Championship in August of the same year. McIlroy scored his third major success in 2014 with his victory at the British Open, which means he is now only missing a Masters victory for the career grand slam. In the same year, McIlroy also achieved his fourth and last Major success to date when he won the PGA Championship for the second time.

McIlroys Masters Tournament tragedy

McIlroy is making his 17th Masters Tournament appearance in 2025. He won over four million dollars in Augusta and in 2022 he came closer than ever before to a victory with second place. Nevertheless, McIlroy’s story at the Masters could be described as tragic.

This dates back to 2011 when McIlroy caused a sensation at augusta for the first time. In April, the then 21-year-old blew a four-shot lead after the third day of the Masters and finished the tournament in a tie for 15th place. That was the first time McIlroy was halfway into the green jacket that he has not yet been allowed to wear. In the following three years, McIlroy went on a real winning spree and won four majors during this time, but since 2014 his run has come to a halt. McIlroy is just one win away from joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win a career Grand Slam at the US Masters. But although he came close time and again, it just doesn’t seem to work out for the Northern Irishman at Augusta. The 34-year-old has finished the tournament in the top 10 seven times in the last ten years, even finishing in the top five four times. McIlroy will make another attempt to finally put an end to his Augusta-Curse and win a major tournament again after ten years to complete the career grand slam.

The Masters Tournament 2025 – All Scores
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These LIV golfers will compete at the US Masters 2025 in Augusta

These LIV golfers will compete at the US Masters 2025 at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Getty)
These LIV golfers will compete at the US Masters 2025 at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Getty)

For players who joined the LIV Golf League, qualifying for Major championships has become increasingly difficult. Since they do not receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points in their own league and are banned from participating in PGA Tour events, there are limited opportunities for LIV players to secure a spot in the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.

However, both the USGA and The R&A have responded to this challenge by creating explicit qualifying paths for LIV players, allowing them easier access to the U.S. Open and The Open Championship. Their reasoning? They want to ensure that the best golfers in the world are represented in their fields.

The first Major of the year, though, is the Masters – traditionally the most exclusive of the four Majors, with a limited field of around 90 players invited annually to compete at Augusta National Golf Club. There is no direct qualification path for LIV Golf players, yet 12 LIV golfers will once again be part of the Masters field in 2025.

One group of players that will always have a place at Augusta is the Masters champions. Former winners receive a lifetime invitation to the event. This includes Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, and Bubba Watson. Other LIV players qualified by winning one of the other three Majors in recent years – Bryson DeChambeau (U.S. Open 2024), Brooks Koepka (PGA Championship 2023), and Cameron Smith (The Open 2022). Tyrrell Hatton may not yet have a Major title, but he finished inside the top 12 at the 2024 Masters, earning him an automatic return. He is also currently ranked inside the world’s top 50, another standard route for qualification. Joaquin Niemann, while not officially qualified through traditional categories, received a special invitation from Augusta National due to his exceptional performances, similar to last year.

All LIV Golfers Competing at the 2025 US Masters:

  • Bryson DeChambeau
  • Tyrrell Hatton
  • Brooks Koepka
  • Cameron Smith
  • Dustin Johnson
  • Sergio Garcia
  • Phil Mickelson
  • Jon Rahm
  • Patrick Reed
  • Charl Schwartzel
  • Bubba Watson
  • Joaquin Niemann

Also worth mentioning is Laurie Canter, a former LIV player. He was still listed as a reserve early in 2024 but later left the league entirely. Since then, he’s been able to play events like The Players Championship, having qualified through strong performances on the DP World Tour. His current position inside the world’s top 50 also earned him a spot at the 2025 US Masters.

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Masters 2025 Tickets: The Price of the Augusta Dream

The tickets for the US Masters 2025 are among the most coveted in golf (Photo: Getty)

When it comes to iconic sporting events, few can rival the allure of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Since its inaugural edition in 1934, the Masters has grown into one of golf’s four Major championships, attracting not only the world’s finest players but also a parade of celebrities, business magnates, and die-hard fans. The tournament’s tradition, the unique atmosphere, and the symbolic Green Jacket make it a dream for many fans. Unsurprisingly, demand for tickets is immense.

Masters 2025: A Golden Ticket for the Lucky Few

Every year, only a limited number of tickets are made available to the general public, and many fans find themselves empty-handed in their quest to witness the Masters in person. Official ticket prices are, by sporting standards, relatively moderate: Practice Round tickets (Monday to Wednesday) are priced at $100 per day, while Tournament Round tickets (Thursday to Sunday) cost $140 per day.

How to Get Tickets?

Most of these tickets are allocated through a lottery system run by Augusta National via the official Masters website. For the 2025 tournament, the application period took place in summer 2024. The exact number of available tickets is a closely guarded secret, making it difficult to gauge one’s chances of success.

If You’re Buying Now, Be Ready to Pay a Premium

For those who missed out in the lottery, the secondary market is the only remaining — and very expensive — option. According to Golf.com, platforms like StubHub and Viagogo list Practice Round tickets at around $1,500 per day. A full four-day tournament pass costs approximately $6,800. Tickets for the Final Round on Sunday are available from $1,800 upwards. Depending on demand, prices on these platforms can fluctuate dramatically, often reaching astronomical levels.

Buyer Beware: Risks of the Secondary Market

It’s important to note that reselling Masters tickets is officially prohibited. Any tickets acquired on the secondary market may be invalidated by tournament officials. Fans tempted to buy should exercise extreme caution and ensure they’re dealing with a reputable seller to avoid falling victim to scams.

Are There Any Alternatives to Experience the Masters in Augusta?

There are, but they come with their own hurdles:

Patron Badges

The coveted “Patron Badges” are effectively lifetime passes to the Masters — and beyond priceless. These badges are typically passed down within families and rarely change hands. On the open market, they’re virtually impossible to obtain.

Hospitality Packages

Several travel and hospitality providers offer premium Masters packages, which include tournament tickets, luxury accommodations, private transportation, and VIP access to exclusive areas of Augusta National. However, these packages command a hefty price tag — often running into the tens of thousands of dollars. Anyone considering this route should only book through verified, official partners.

Looking Ahead: Plan Early for Masters 2026

For fans hoping to secure a spot at Augusta in 2026, the lottery will reopen from June 1 to June 20, 2025. Early planning is key, as demand continues to climb year after year. It’s also worth exploring hospitality options and offers from official partners to maximize your chances of making that dream trip to Augusta a reality.

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The Masters: Rory McIlroy plays practice round in Augusta

Rory McIlroy play practice round in Augusta ahead of The Masters tournament 2025. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy play practice round in Augusta ahead of The Masters tournament 2025. (Photo: Getty)

For Rory McIlroy, this week is all about preparing for the Masters 2025. The week began for him with a practice round at Augusta National on Monday and his start at the Houston Open is also a strategy to get into top form and finally secure the Green Jacket.

Rory McIlroy on a practice round at Augusta National

‘It’s nice for me to play a practice round without people around and it sort of takes the pressure off the week for me,’ said McIlroy, who took his time to look round Augusta National Golf Club. In addition to the usual benefits of a practice round, this appointment also served to explore possible changes as a result of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. In September 2024, the storm caused devastating damage in the south-east of the USA and the community of Augusta and Augusta National Golf Club were also affected. The impact on the venue of the Masters was largely limited to a few fallen trees and the resulting damage to the golf course, while the surrounding population was significantly more affected.

Four greens had been redone, McIlroy reported of his findings, including that of the 16th fairway, where two of the trees had fallen. ‘The loss of a few trees is definitely noticeable but in terms of, they’ve had to redo that green [the 16th], it’s exactly the same as what it was,’ said the Northern Irishman. ‘The hole will play – apart from a few less shadows on the green late in the day because of the trees that were lost – pretty much the same.’

Rory McIlroy’s Masters preparation

McIlroy used the two weeks of privacy before the first major to familiarise himself with the course again in peace, as there is always a lot of hustle and bustle during the week of the tournament. ‘There are a lot of obligations, there are big commitments whether it be from media or the par-three tournament on Wednesday, so I just like to get up there and feel like I’m not rushed on the Tuesday, Wednesday the week of the tournament.’ In the past, McIlroy has tried a number of strategies to optimise his preparation, including avoiding as much of the pre-tournament hustle and bustle as possible. There were years when he avoided events such as the Par 3 Contest as well as participating in tournaments shortly before the Major. He seems to be taking a different approach this year, as his start at the Houston Open two weeks before the Masters shows.

But even though this week should help him to optimise his game, he is not just thinking about the Masters. ‘It’s not as if I’m playing here this week and thinking about two weeks’ time. I’m here, I’m in the present, I’m trying to do my best this week and trying to win this golf tournament.’

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The Masters 2025: Scheffler serves up ‘Scottie Style’

Scottie Scheffler's champions dinner for The Masters 2025. (Photo: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler's champions dinner for The Masters 2025. (Photo: Getty)

World number one Scottie Scheffler is hosting the traditional Champions Dinner in the run-up to the US Masters 2025 for the second time this year. After his victory in 2022, he already had the honour of designing the exclusive menu once. This time too, he is staying true to his Texan style, with small but personalised adjustments.

The dinner, which traditionally takes place on the Tuesday evening of Masters week in the clubhouse at Augusta National, is reserved for former Green Jacket winners. ‘It’s more or less the same as two years ago,’ explained Scheffler. ‘My favourite dishes haven’t changed too much, but there are a few nostalgic elements.’

Scheffler’s menu for the Champions Dinner of the The Masters 2025

The starters consist of ‘Scottie style’ cheeseburger sliders – a signature dish where the fries are placed directly on the burger. ‘I always put fries on my burger, that’s ‘Scottie style’ for me. My favourite burger joint has thin patties with cheese between the layers. I then take some of the melted cheese, throw in the fries and enjoy it. It’s just great.’ Alongside the burger, there are firework prawns with sweet Thai chilli and Sriracha mayo.

New on the menu: ‘Papa Scheff’s’ legendary meatballs

One new addition is the replacement of the tortilla soup with ‘Papa Scheff’s Meatball and Ravioli Bites’ – a tribute to his father. ‘Papa Chef is my father,’ explained Scheffler. ‘His meatballs were legendary when we were growing up. Every time he made them, we were all beside ourselves with excitement. I thought it would be a nice idea to put them on the menu this year, and the ravioli complements it perfectly.’

The first course remains hearty: Texan chilli with cheddar cheese, jalapeños and corn chips – inspired by his coach Randy, whose recipe serves as the basis. ‘My coach makes the best chilli. So they try to use his recipe as inspiration.’
Main course options include Texas ribeye steak or redfish, accompanied by savoury sides such as family-style mac and cheese, corn with jalapeño cream, Brussels sprouts with soy glaze and roasted sweet potatoes with chipotle lime. Guests can also look forward to tequila and bourbon – a real Texan finish.

For dessert there is a warm chocolate chip skillet cookie with vanilla ice cream.

The Masters Champions Dinner – The dinner of legends

The Champions Dinner goes back to Ben Hogan, who created it in 1952. Each defending champion puts together their own menu and often adds a personal touch. While Scottie Scheffler stays true to his Texan style, previous champions have brought culinary diversity to Augusta. Jon Rahm focused on Spanish cuisine in 2023 with tapas, tomahawk steak and basque cheesecake. The year before, Hideki Matsuyama served a Japanese-inspired menu with Wagyu beef, sushi and traditional specialities. In 2020, Tiger Woods combined a selection of sushi, steak fajitas and churros for dessert. Patrick Reed opted for Caesar salad, cowboy ribeye steak and mac & cheese in 2018, while Jordan Spieth brought Texan flavours to the table in 2016 with BBQ ribs, steak and warm apple pie.

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Angela Stanford Named Captain for 2026 U.S. Solheim Cup Team

Angela Stanford will be Solheim Cup captain for Team USA at the 2026 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Angela Stanford will be Solheim Cup captain for Team USA at the 2026 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)

After three turns as an assistant captain, Angela Stanford will take the helm of her first U.S. Solheim Cup Team in 2026. Stanford, a six-time veteran of the American squad, will captain the top 12 American female golfers as they represent their country at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, from Sept. 11-13, 2026.

Solheim Cup 2026: Angela Stanford will be captain

“I’m extremely grateful to be named the next American captain for the Solheim Cup and join a list of my heroes in the game. I’ve always believed that I represent more than myself on the LPGA Tour, and there is no greater honor than representing your country,” said Stanford. “I consider this the pinnacle of my career, and I’m looking forward to leading our players to the Netherlands in 2026.

“Angela Stanford will certainly be a wonderful captain for the U.S. Team at the 2026 Solheim Cup,” said Interim LPGA Commissioner Liz Moore. “Angela has always been a spark on and off the course, a true leader and a dedicated partner to her teammates. It’s now her time to take the helm of the U.S. Team, and I have no doubt that she will lead her squad to a successful week in the Netherlands.”

Stanford retired in 2024 after a 23-year LPGA Tour career. She has seven LPGA Tour victories, earning her first major title at the 2018 Amundi Evian Championship in her 18th season on Tour. Stanford has also won the 2023 and 2024 Senior LPGA Championships.

She competed in 98 consecutive major championships from 2002 to 2024, second only to Jack Nicklaus for consecutive majors played in professional golf.

Stanford has competed in six Solheim Cups, representing the USA in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. In 2015, Stanford earned the winning point for the U.S. Team with her 2-and-1 victory over Suzann Pettersen. She then served as an assistant captain in 2021 under Captain Pat Hurst, and again in 2023 and 2024 under Captain Stacy Lewis.

Prior to joining the LPGA Tour, Stanford was a four-year All-American at Texas Christian University, where she won nine collegiate tournaments. She is a 2000 TCU graduate with a degree in Speech Communications and is enshrined in the Texas Golf Hall of Fame and the TCU Athletics Hall of Fame.

Off the course, Stanford runs the Angela Stanford Foundation, which provides scholarships to kids in her native Texas whose families have fallen victim to breast cancer. Stanford works in honor of her mother, Nan, who battled the disease for 13 years before her death in 2022.

Information on ticket options and prices for the 2026 Solheim Cup is available at www.solheimcup2026.golf. Anna Nordqvist was recently announced as captain for the 2026 European Solheim Cup Team.