Rory McIlroy has finally joined one of golf’s most exclusive groups after 11 years of trying. On Sunday, McIlroy won his first Masters title, completing the Career Grand Slam by winning all four major golf championships.
McIlroy, who started the final round with a two-stroke lead, faced some challenges but overcame them, including a fierce comeback by Justin Rose. After finishing the day 1-over par, McIlroy secured his place among golf’s legends with a thrilling one-hole playoff victory. This win cements his legacy as one of golf’s greatest players.
A Dream Come True for McIlroy: The Career Grand Slam
McIlroy’s victory at the Masters makes him just the sixth player in golf history to win all four majors. He joins a prestigious list of legends: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
In the playoff, McIlroy sank a four-foot putt on the 18th hole to secure the win, beating Justin Rose. Overcome with emotion, McIlroy tossed his putter and hat in the air before falling to his knees, celebrating with a huge scream as the crowd cheered.
After the win, McIlroy was joined by his wife, Erica Stoll, and daughter, Poppy, to continue the celebration.
McIlroy Reflects on His Long Journey
Still emotional, McIlroy shared how much this win meant to him in his post-round interview with CBS. He spoke about the 11-year journey and the burden of trying to complete the Grand Slam:
“This is my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time. The last ten years, with the burden of the Grand Slam on my shoulders, I kept wondering if it would happen. But I’m so honored to call myself a Masters champion.”
A Rocky Start, But McIlroy Bounces Back
McIlroy’s road to victory wasn’t smooth. He started Sunday’s round with a double bogey on the first hole, which quickly put him on the back foot. After Bryson DeChambeau birdied the second hole, McIlroy found himself one shot behind.
But McIlroy stayed calm. He bounced back with birdies on holes 3 and 4, regaining a three-stroke lead. Throughout the round, he remained focused, even as Rose and Ludvig Åberg made runs up the leaderboard. McIlroy held steady with pars and birdies to keep challengers at bay.
The Final Challenge and the Playoff
Things took a dramatic turn on the back nine. McIlroy made a double bogey on hole 13 after hitting his shot into Rae’s Creek. Another bogey on the 14th hole allowed Rose to take the lead, but McIlroy fought back.
He birdied holes 16 and 17 to regain the lead by one stroke. On hole 18, McIlroy missed a crucial five-foot putt that would have sealed the victory, forcing a playoff with Rose.
Despite the setback, McIlroy remained confident:
“I was really nervous going out, but I think the double bogey at the first calmed my nerves a little. I just think all week, I responded to setbacks. That’s what I’ll take from this week.”
The 11-Year Drought Finally Ends
McIlroy’s journey to completing the Career Grand Slam started back in 2011 at Augusta, where he collapsed in the final round after leading by four strokes. Since then, he had come close several times but couldn’t secure the Masters win until this Sunday.
McIlroy’s career has been filled with ups and downs, but this victory gives him five major titles and cements his legacy in golf history.
A Thrilling Masters Tournament
The 89th Masters delivered a thrilling competition for golf fans. While McIlroy claimed the top spot, Justin Rose finished as the runner-up for the third time in his career. Patrick Reed took third at 9-under, and Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion, finished in fourth place at 8-under.
Bryson DeChambeau had a rough outing, finishing 3-over par, but remained positive for the future, noting that he could take a lot of good from the week.