McIlroy Leads the Pack at Augusta National

The 2025 Masters Tournament has reached a fever pitch, and Rory McIlroy is on the cusp of history. Entering the final round on April 16, 2025, the Northern Irish golfing superstar holds a commanding two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau, sitting at an impressive 12-under-par. McIlroy’s back-to-back rounds of 66 on days two and three, highlighted by two eagles in the third round—a career first for him at Augusta—have positioned him as the man to beat. As he aims to claim the iconic green jacket and a staggering $4.2 million (£3.2 million) winner’s purse, the stakes couldn’t be higher at Augusta National, Georgia.

A Historic Opportunity for McIlroy

McIlroy, who hasn’t tasted major championship glory since 2014, is chasing more than just a paycheck. A victory on Sunday would make him only the sixth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam, joining legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen by winning all four PGA Tour majors. The battle with DeChambeau promises to be a clash for the ages, especially after the American snatched victory from McIlroy at the 2024 US Open, coming from a shot back with just three holes to play. With the total purse for the 2025 Masters set at $21 million, the winner’s share of $4.2 million is a life-changing sum—but it comes with a catch.

The Tax Burden That Could Cost McIlroy Millions

If McIlroy secures the green jacket, he might not take home the full £3.2 million prize. According to tax expert Paul Barham, head of international private client tax at Forvis Mazars, McIlroy faces a hefty tax bill of 42.39%, equating to approximately $1.2 million. “Any prize money earned will be subject to US federal tax, the top rate of which is still 37 percent,” Barham explained to the Daily Express. “Golfers will also have to pay state tax in Georgia at 5.39 percent.” As a US resident living in Florida with his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy, McIlroy won’t face additional taxes elsewhere, but this significant deduction could still sting.

A Heartwarming Moment with Daughter Poppy

Amid the high stakes, McIlroy has found joy in family moments at Augusta. During the traditional Par 3 Tournament on Wednesday, his four-year-old daughter Poppy stole the show by sinking an incredible putt on the ninth green, sparking wild celebrations from McIlroy and his close friend Shane Lowry. The heartwarming scene melted fans’ hearts, showcasing McIlroy’s softer side as a devoted father. “It’s these moments that keep me grounded,” McIlroy shared, reflecting on how his family helps him stay balanced during the intense competition.

McIlroy’s Preparation: A Blend of Relaxation and Focus

After his stellar third round, McIlroy revealed how he’s preparing for the final showdown. “I watched a little bit of Premier League football this morning, and then I actually watched Zootopia with Poppy—very, very good movie if anyone’s interested,” he said with a smile. His evening plans? “I’ll have some dinner tonight, maybe try to make it through the second episode of the third season of Bridgerton. Fell asleep during episode one last night.” McIlroy emphasized his strategy to disconnect, adding, “I sort of put the phone away, don’t look at it, try not to look at it until tomorrow night.” This blend of relaxation and focus could be the key to maintaining his lead against DeChambeau.

Can McIlroy Overcome the Odds and Make History?

As McIlroy steps onto the greens of Augusta National on Sunday, the golfing world is watching with bated breath. Will he hold off DeChambeau and etch his name alongside the sport’s greatest legends? And if he does, how will he feel about losing nearly half his prize money to taxes? One thing is certain: McIlroy’s journey at the 2025 Masters is a story of resilience, family, and the pursuit of greatness—taxes or no taxes. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable final round.