Golf’s finest are still buzzing from Rory McIlroy’s history-making victory at the 2025 Masters, but there’s no rest as attention swiftly turns to the RBC Heritage. McIlroy finally completed his quest for a career Grand Slam, but some appear to be happier for the Northern Irishman than others.
Golf equipment
While his inner circle has already sounded warning shots to his PGA Tour rivals, he has snubbed a big-money opportunity to return to the course this weekend. Instead, he’ll spend time with wife Erica, who could be set for a name change after his success, with the pair returning to their incredible Florida mansion.
Rory’s exhilarating conquest to claim his first green jacket has stirred up plenty of inspiration. However, it seems Scottie Scheffler – the defending RBC Heritage champion – still isn’t looking up to his European peer. It comes as Justin Rose’s wife said six words to Rory McIlroy straight after Masters victory.
The PGA Tour itself could see a huge surge of interest following McIlroy’s first major win in more than 11 years. Meanwhile, the grind continues for others as we explore the latest developments from around the golf sphere.
Golf equipment
Scheffler unswayed by Rory’s success
In response to a question on whether he found motivation from McIlroy’s spellbinding close in Georgia, Scheffler told one journalist: “The feeling you get from winning a tournament is a pretty special feeling. For me, I wished it lasts longer than it [does]. It doesn’t really last very long. Watching anybody accomplish anything in golf – it takes a lot of work.
Golf equipment
“I don’t really think very often about career goals, or anything like that. I try to do my best to stay in the present. Was it pretty awesome watching Rory win the Grand Slam? Yeah, of course it was. But as far as my life goes, I try to stay in the present. And so right now, I’m focused on this week, and then when I get home next week, I’m gonna be preparing for my next tournament.”
Scheffler, 28, continued by saying his motivation is “all internal,” implying it’s nothing personal against McIlroy. And considering his success on the Tour over the past few years, it’s hard to fault him.
McIlroy’s Masters could land PGA payday
Aside from McIlroy himself, the PGA Tour has much to gain from Sunday’s result after their poster boy made it back to the big time. The world No.2 has comfortably been one of, if not the best player of his generation, but with the threat of LIV Golf still abound, McIlroy’s Masters win could hardly have been timed better.
Golf equipment
The PGA Tour’s UK television rights are currently up for negotiation, but according to City AM, Sky Sports may have to pay a higher price due to Rory’s career-defining moment. This comes after a peak audience of 1.85 million tuned in to watch him narrowly defeat Justin Rose in a play-off, accounting for 37% of the total TV viewership in the nation.
Sports apparel
In a world where viewership counts for everything, the PGA will have been overjoyed to see a record 7.5 million fans tuned into Sky Sports’ Sunday coverage at Augusta, and it’s the under-35s who were especially gripped. These stats are gold for the PGA Tour, which will be showing off these numbers to anyone who will listen in order to secure a hefty new broadcast deal.
Sky Sports brings golf fans at least 36 PGA Tour events each year under the current agreement, including fan favorites like the Ryder Cup, DP World Tour, as well as all the men’s and women’s majors.
PGA winner offers heartfelt apology
Michael Kim isn’t your average golfer; he’s part of a newer generation using social media to shrink the distance between sport stars and supporters. The Seoul-born golfer, who grew up in San Diego, is a familiar voice on podcasts and a constant entertainer, trying to charm fans even away from the green
So one can bet it hit him hard when he couldn’t hand out any tickets to Augusta National. After tying for 27th place in Georgia – his first time making the competition’s cut- he took to X to express his regrets, prioritizing friends and family for those highly-coveted Masters passes.
Sports apparel
Golf equipment
“I’m sorry I couldn’t give away Masters tix (friends and family gets priority),” wrote Kim before swinging back with another generous offer. “But I’ll give them away for the RBC Heritage! If you live in the area and bring kids, I’ll send you some tickets! Comment below.”
Aberg steals hearts
The gap between athletes and fans can seem more sizeable than ever today, with players earning astronomical sums and sometimes losing touch with their base. But it’s refreshing to see someone like Ludvig Aberg bridge that divide.
The Swede has been quickly climbing the ranks on the PGA Tour and has finished in the top 10 of his first two Masters appearances – but he also shows genuine care for his supporters. And as he prepared for his next challenge in South Carolina, Aberg made time for every fan he encountered.
“Ludvig Aberg takes a photo or signs an autograph for every fan he sees,” read a post from fan account PGA Dice. “This is Aberg inbetween hole 10 and 11 during his practice round at The RBC Heritage. He stopped for every single person before moving on to [the 11th] tee. My sister and girlfriend are now in love with the king lol.”
The affection for Aberg isn’t limited to just a few. His impressive journey to secure a spot on the victorious 2023 Ryder Cup team endeared him to many, and with his current trajectory, he’s well on his way to landing a spot on Team Europe this year, too.
Balionis leaves out McIlroy mention
As Augusta’s drama unfolded this week, CBS broadcaster Amanda Balionis was right in the thick of it and tracked the Masters closely. And she nabbed one of the first exclusive interviews with McIlroy after what might just be the pinnacle of his career to date.
Rewind almost one year ago, and Balionis was reportedly tangled in the separation drama between McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, before the pair patched things up. Despite no official word from either figure, whispers pointed to a potential romance between her and the five-time major champion.
However, many fans couldn’t help but notice McIlroy was conspicuously absent from her social media recap of an eventful week at Augusta. Her 14-photo gallery omitted any glimpse of Rory, instead spotlighting Balionis’ moments on and off-camera with pals and colleagues.
Balionis’ Instagram caption captured her sentiment: “2025 has been all about gratitude and last week was no exception. So grateful for these experiences, the people I get to learn from and work with and for those who somehow make the best job in the world even better. Until next year Augusta!”
