The first hole spelled doom and brought back memories of the 2024 U.S. Open.

But Rory McIlroy showed quick resolve right when he needed it.

Entering the day with the lead at 12-under while looking for his first green jacket, McIlroy registered a double-bogey on the opening hole, falling into a tie at 10-under with Bryson DeChambeau before DeChambeau birdied the second hole to take a one-stroke lead.

By the end of the fourth hole, however, McIlroy was up by three.

Rory McIlroy reacts after hitting his tee shot on the first hole during the final round of the Masters on April 13, 2025. REUTERS

McIlroy’s opening tee shot went into a bunker on the right side, and after his third shot landed on the back of the green, the Northern Irishman three-putted.

However, McIlroy birdied the third hole as DeChambeau bogeyed, giving McIlroy a one-shot lead.

Rory McIlroy plays out of the bunker on the first hole during the final round of the Masters on April 13, 2025. REUTERS

DeChambeau then bogeyed the fourth as McIlroy made birdie, giving Rory a three-shot lead in what was a frenetic start at Augusta.

McIlroy hasn’t won a major in 10 years and is a Masters title away from becoming the sixth golfer ever to complete the grand slam.

He had a U.S. Open title within his grasp last year but collapsed over the final several holes, allowing DeChambeau to win his second U.S. Open championship.

Bryson DeChambeau hits a shot on the first hole during the final round of the Masters on April 13, 2025. REUTERS

Ludvig Aberg was lurking at 8-under through seven holes.