“We got Rory, and this course is perfect for him. You know what, I’m not picking him. I’m done picking Rory because it always burns me in the end.” These were the exact words from Paige Spiranac back in May 2024. She had just watched Rory McIlroy run out of contention for the PGA Championship. And after so many years of believing that he is close to winning another major, Spiranac seems to have finally had enough, or so she thought.

Yes, McIlroy didn’t win the 2024 PGA Championship. He came even closer to capturing the U.S. Open title a month later. But he blundered that as well on the final day, losing by 1 stroke. But that was 2024. It’s only the March of 2025 and Rory McIlroy has already done the unthinkable. For the first time in his glorious career, the Irishman has won 2 PGA Tour events before the month of April. Before his visit to Augusta National. Before competing in the Masters Tournament.

Amazed by the excellent strokeplay and the confidence on the course, Paige Spiranac has decided to come back on board the McIlroy train! Just like many of his loyal fans, Spiranac also wants the now 28x PGA Tour winner to become a grand slam champion. And that is what she shared in her latest tweet. Spiranac said “Rory to win The Masters. I know but really this year is the year it’s happening,” starting a chain of hope again. Hope that has been destroyed many times in the past by McIlroy himself. But something about him is different this year.

While the two victories may prove that, McIlroy’s demeanor on the course is also quite different this year. Let’s how he is playing in 2025 as compared to the past few seasons.

The Rory McIlroy of 2025

With a reduced PGA Tour schedule, Rory McIlroy kicked off the 2025 season at Pebble Beach. Within the first six holes, the Irishman seemed like he was on a mission. McIlroy hit his third hole of the tournament for a birdie. He followed that up with a beautiful ace on the 15th hole on his 6th of the day. That began the journey of McIlroy’s triumph on the PGA Tour in 2025. Throughout the remaining tournament, the 28x PGA Tour winner was in sublime form. Towards the end of the 72 holes, the whole team was struggling to chase down McIlroy. But for him, it seemed like any other Sunday as he was hitting picture-perfect strokes to try and get eagles on every hole. In the end, he won with a 2-stroke lead over the field.

Before THE PLAYERS Championship 2025, McIlroy had participated in three tournaments, all being Signature events. Apart from winning at Pebble Beach, he also had a T17 finish at The Genesis Invitational and a T15 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His record for the year is two wins and four top-25 finishes before April. This is the first time Rory McIlroy has won two before his visit to Augusta National. So far, the Irishman has not confirmed any other appearance before the Masters Tournament 2025. It certainly seems like he is zoned in to win the green jacket this year. And with the kind of performances he is delivering, Rory McIlroy is undoubtedly on the path to becoming a grand slam champion on April 13, 2025. What do you think?