Rory Mcilroy becomes the sixth person after Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, Tiger Woods, and Gary Player to complete a career Grand Slam, after winning his first Masters Title via a three-hole play-off with England’s Justin Rose.
The Northern Irishman(-12), had a two-shot lead over USA’s Bryson DeChambeau(-10), heading into the final Round at Augusta National.
Rose was in fifth place along with Jason Day, Scottie Scheffler, and Shane Lowry on -5.
As the Englishman Teed of 40 minutes before the final pairing, he had the chance to put some scoreboard pressure.
Then, he led the tournament after the first two rounds.
He started off brilliantly with a Birdie-Par-Birdie in the first three holes.
Before dropping two shots on the fourth and fifth holes.
Meanwhile, Mcilroy did not get off to the best of starts, with a double bogey and par in the first two holes.
However, four birdies and six pars in the next 10 holes pulled him back into contention after Rose began to take the Green Jacket away from him.
However, the momentum shifted back towards Rose after Mcilroy’s water hazards on the 11th and 13th holes.
Meanwhile, Rose was cruising to the title, with six birdies and two bogeys of his final 8 holes, finishing with a daunting score of -11.
But Mcllroy was not giving up his Masters dream yet, as his wonderful iron-draw on the 15th was the start of a tremendous comeback.
Two Birdies on the last three holes set up a three-hole play-off with Rose to determine the winner.
And a poor miss by Rose on the 18th green gave Mcilroy the chance to put for the Green Jacket, which he did with pure relief.
The world number two was ecstatic with his first Masters Title, and reflected back on his resilience and ability to bonce back from difficult situations.
“All week I responded to setbacks and that’s what I’ll remember. I’m so proud of that and being able to bounce back.”
Mcllroy: BBC Sport
The Masters ends Mcllroy’s 11-year wait for a Major, after capturing his second PGA Championship in 2014.
His overall record in Major Championship golf is impressive, and he is the only European to win a Grand Slam so far.
Not even the great Seve Ballesteros managed to achieve this feat.
Rotella Influence
McIlroy gave credit to his Sports Psychologist, Bob Rotella, for his preparation ahead of the second round.
“I had a good conversation with Bob, mostly around not pushing too hard too early and trying to get those shots back straight away,”
Mcillroy: BBC Sport
Patience solved Mcllroy’s troubles in the next two rounds, and he executed it to a tee in the final two rounds.
It was a memorable day for Great Britain in the final round of the 88th Masters, in which Rory Mcilroy’s name is now etched in the pages of history.
For more information on Rory Mcilroy’s incredible Masters win, visit World In Sport.
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2025-04-14 12:50:31
