Five PGA Tour storylines to follow after Rory McIlroy's Masters win

McIlroy went 11 years without winning a major championship despite notching 21 top-10 finishes in that span. Most of that was due to the mental block that haunted him at Augusta National and eventually crept into his mind at the other majors. Now that he finally has the career Grand Slam in his back pocket, McIlroy can free himself up to win multiple majors in 2025.

Think about it. The PGA Championship is being held at Quail Hollow, where McIlroy has won four times in his career. The U.S. Open will be at Oakmont, a bomber's paradise that perfectly fits his game. The Open Championship is happening at Royal Portrush in his home country of Northern Ireland. Don't be surprised if McIlroy wins two or more majors this season.

Scottie Scheffler seeking to get back on top

Since the start of 2023, it's been impossible to argue anyone other than Scheffler was the best player in the world. McIlroy has entered that conversation after winning at Pebble Beach, TPC Sawgrass and Augusta National. Meanwhile, Scheffler hasn't won yet this season, and his ball-striking numbers are no longer at the elite level we're used to seeing. 

Scheffler is still playing great golf, but after winning nine tournaments last year, he has to be disappointed with this start to 2025.

Who will step up to challenge McIlroy and Scheffler?

Whoever you want to say is the best player in the world right now, McIlroy and Scheffler seem to be in their own tier at the top of the sport. Collin Morikawa leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained from tee to green, but he hasn't won since the 2023 Zozo Championship.

The PGA Tour needs another contender to step up and challenge the top two players. We're looking at you Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Ludvig Aberg.

Rickie Fowler, Max Homa in danger of losing their PGA Tour cards

Starting next year, only the top 100 players in the 2025 FedEx Cup standings will receive full-time status on the PGA Tour. It's about to become harder than ever to stay in the big leagues, and some big names are already feeling the pressure. 

Fowler and Homa, who have both struggled to start the season, are ranked 116th and 99th, respectively, in the current FedEx Cup standings. Both of their most recent wins came in 2023, so they're not exempt in 2026 unless they win this season or finish inside the top 100. The clock is ticking for both fan-favorite stars.

Who else will step up in the majors for LIV Golf?

For the most part, the stars on LIV Golf have put up disappointing performances in major championships of late. Jon Rahm has finished cut, T45, T7 and T14 in four major starts since jumping ship. Joaquin Niemann continues to flop in majors despite playing the best golf on LIV. Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith have a combined 10 straight finishes outside the top 25 in majors.

Bryson DeChambeau, with his U.S. Open victory and four top-six finishes in his last five major starts, is the only LIV golfer consistently showing up when the two tours get together. LIV needs another big gun to step up and challenge the best on the PGA Tour.