Rory McIlroy reacts after his shot on the 15th green during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy makes brutal mistake during final round of Masters

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Apr 13, 2025 6:22 PM ET

Rory McIlroy was in complete control through 12 holes during the final round of the Masters, but one stunning mistake he made resulted in the leaderboard tightening almost instantly.

McIlroy entered the final round at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday with a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau, who struggled through the first 12 holes. McIlroy played well enough to extend his lead during that stretch, but disaster struck on the par-5 15th hole.

After laying up with his second shot, McIlroy had what looked like an easy approach shot over Rae’s Creek. He landed the ball too short and watched it hop into the water.

Rory's third shot on No. 13 finds the water. pic.twitter.com/yoS1x5dk5H
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) April 13, 2025

McIlroy went on to make a double-bogey. He had a three-shot lead over Justin Rose before that hole, but the two briefly moved into a tie afterward.

The meltdown reminded fans of when McIlroy blew a four-shot lead in the final round of the 2011 Masters. There was still plenty of golf left when he had the brutal miscue this time, however.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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