When Will Rory McIlroy Play Next After Zurich Classic Loss? Masters Winner’s 2025 Schedule Explored

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Rory McIlroy, the sixth Grand Slam winner in history, appeared unstoppable as he entered the majors season, with every tournament seemingly within his grasp. However, after a disappointing finish at the recently concluded Zurich Classic, both fans (and McIlroy himself) don’t seem too sure. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry faced some challenges during the fourth round, recording bogeys on holes 13, 15, and 17. Their hope for a successful defense ended with a 12th-place finish. However, the Irish golfer has remedies up his sleeve, including taking a break from the sport for at least a week. After the final round at TPC Louisiana, McIlroy said, “I’ve got to just take a little bit of time here. It’s nice to have a week off, and reset and try to get some practice in.” This means that fans will not get to see the golfer tee off at TPC Craig Ranch.

Yes, you read that right. The young Northern Irishman was set to make his start at the upcoming CJ Cup Byron Nelson this week (May 1-4); however, he is currently trying to recharge the batteries a little bit. This means that fans will need to wait a few more days after the conclusion of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson to see Rory McIlroy showcase his amazing skills from the 2025 season.

According to the same interview, the most recent Grand Slam winner will be looking to redeem his gameplay in the upcoming Truist Championship, held between May 8-11. For the Masters champion, the Philadelphia Cricket Club is likely to provide a smooth sailing experience, thanks to his history with the course. One of the signature events on the PGA Tour’s schedule, the Truist Championship will see defending champion Rory McIlroy try to clinch the win for the 5th time in his career. Before 2024, McIlroy won in 2021, 2015, and 2010.

 

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After his appearance at the Truist Championship, Rory McIlroy will tee off at the second major of the season: the PGA Championship, held from May 15. Quail Hollow will once again host the second men’s major of the year, and McIlroy has the best record at this course. He secured his first PGA Tour title there in 2010 (Wells Fargo Championship) and has gone on to win at the Charlotte course three additional times (2015, 2021, 2024).

After that, he will tee off at the Canadian Open from June 5. This will be followed by other major appearances at the US Open and the Open Championship. The Irishman may not have a great history with the majors; however, no one believes in the Irish golfer as much as fellow Tour player Xander Schauffele.

Xander Schauffele believes ‘scary’ Rory McIlroy will be tough competition at the majors

Xander Schauffele’s trust in Rory McIlroy stems from the Irish golfer’s amazing 2025 season. In addition to securing his first Masters win, McIlroy registered two victories before the first men’s major for the first time in his career. This historic achievement came with his wins at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The PLAYERS Championship. Facing immense pressure ahead of the Masters due to a 10-year gap since his last major win, McIlroy’s victory at Augusta National was hard-earned, thanks to a tough playoff against Justin Rose. However, the Irishman is now relieved of that pressure, which Schauffele refers to as a “scary.”

“He is a generational talent and to do what he did is incredible for the game of golf. If that was something that was holding him back and now he feels free, that could be a pretty scary thing,” Schauffele said after McIlroy’s Masters win. “Would I be surprised if he started rattling [more majors] off? No. Am I going to be there to try and stop him? Absolutely.”

Xander Schauffele is a brilliant player in his own right, and that’s why his warnings are not baseless. Currently, Schauffele has encountered difficulties this year due to injuries; however, his 2024 season was amazing, thanks to victories in both the PGA Championship and the Open Championship, along with winning an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games. Let us know what you think!

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