Why The Masters Is Golf’s World Cup—and What Follows Next

The 2025 Masters ended in excitement and fanfare as Rory McIlroy finally ended his major drought and completed the Career Grand Slam after seeing off Justin Rose in a thrilling playoff. The Masters has a rich history that dates back to 1934 and brings the best golfers from around the world together to compete for the prestigious green jacket.

The Masters is held every year at Augusta National Golf Club and has produced many legendary winners like Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, and others. The tournament has also produced many unforgettable moments and has a strong global appeal among fans, with millions of viewers tuning in annually to watch the best golfers compete on the biggest stage in world golf.

Golf’s Equivalent of FIFA World Cup

The Masters Tournament is often referred to as golf’s World Cup due to its prestige, global appeal, and fierce competition. While the FIFA World Cup is a premier international soccer tournament featuring national teams, the Masters brings together top golfers from around the world to compete for the iconic green jacket.

Held over four days every April, the Masters has served some of golf’s greatest moments since 1934. The Masters has a rich history and tradition similar to that of the FIFA World Cup’s own storied legacy. What sets the Masters apart from other golf tournaments is its unique charm and exclusivity. The tournament is a spectacle that draws millions of viewers worldwide. The iconic green jacket awarded to the champion is a symbol of excellence and a career-defining achievement.

The tournament also includes LIV Golf players and is the only major tournament where PGA Tour players and LIV Golf players get to compete against each other. This has raised the excitement and stakes even further, as fans are always looking forward to their favorite players from both tours competing for the biggest title in world golf.

Also Read: PGA-LIV Merger is Leaving Players Optimistic

What Follows Next For the Masters?

There has been some debate about the inclusion of LIV Golf players in the Masters. However, many believe that it is an opportunity for the growth of the tournament, as PGA Tour events have sometimes been accused of lacking competition due to likes of Scottie Scheffler consistently dominating. Nevertheless, the tournament is expected to increase in viewership and engagement in the coming years.

Although the Masters doesn’t boast the numbers of the FIFA World Cup, stakeholders believe that important decisions and key changes will help to bridge the gap between the two popular sporting events. With 12.7 million watching the 2025 final round on CBS, it’s clear that the Masters will continue to captivate fans around the world for years to come.

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