2025 Tour Championship - Live Updates and Scores from Round 1, Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas Battle for Top Spot

Rory McIlroy, born on May 4, 1989, in Holywood, Northern Ireland, is a prominent professional golfer known for his exceptional skill and significant impact on the sport. Turning professional at the age of 18 in 2007, McIlroy quickly rose through the ranks, establishing himself as one of golf’s leading figures by his mid-20s. He has won five major championships: the U.S. Open in 2011, the PGA Championship twice in 2012 and 2014, the British Open in 2014, and most recently the Masters Tournament in 2025. His 2025 Masters victory was particularly notable as it made him the sixth male golfer in history to complete a career Grand Slam, winning all four major championships during his career[1]. Renowned for his long driving distance and strong putting skills, McIlroy reached the number one position in the Official World Golf Rankings at a young age, becoming the youngest player since Tiger Woods to do so in 2012. He also holds the record for the lowest 72-hole score in U.S. Open history, achieved during his dominant 2011 win[2]. Beyond majors, McIlroy has secured multiple tournament wins and accolades, including being crowned Race to Dubai champion six times and winning three FedEx Cups, affirming his consistent elite performance on both the European and PGA Tours[4]. Throughout his career, McIlroy has been praised not only for his athletic achievements but also for his sportsmanship and role as a mentor and inspiration for younger golfers. His contributions to charity and the golfing community have further solidified his standing as a respected figure in the sport. As of 2025, McIlroy remains a highly relevant and competitive player on the international golf stage, continuing to compete at the highest level[3][4].

Justin Thomas is an American professional golfer born on April 29, 1993, in Louisville, Kentucky. He comes from a family deeply involved in golf; his father, Mike Thomas, is a retired PGA professional and his grandfather was also a PGA pro. Thomas began playing golf at a very young age, thanks to his father's influence. Before his junior year in high school, he made history by becoming the third-youngest player to make the cut at a PGA Tour event, the Wyndham Championship, in 2009[1][3]. Thomas attended the University of Alabama, where he had a remarkable collegiate career. In 2012, he won the Haskins Award and the Jack Nicklaus Award as the top collegiate golfer. He was part of the Crimson Tide's NCAA Championship team in 2013 and turned professional that same year[1][3]. His professional career took off in 2017 when he won five PGA Tour events, including his first major at the PGA Championship, and secured the FedEx Cup championship[1][3]. Justin Thomas has continued to achieve significant milestones in his career. He became the world's number one golfer in 2018 and has been a key member of the US Ryder Cup team. In 2022, he won his second PGA Championship. As of 2024, despite some fluctuations in his ranking, Thomas remains one of the most accomplished young golfers. Recently, in 2025, he won the RBC Heritage, marking his return to the winner's circle after nearly three years and propelling him back into the top 10 in the world rankings[1]. With 15 PGA Tour wins under his belt, Thomas continues to be a prominent figure in professional golf[5].