On a Sunday that delivered Augusta’s trademark mix of pressure, heartbreak, and heroics, Rory McIlroy’s decade-long quest for the career Grand Slam finally came to its thrilling, tearful end.
In a playoff victory over Justin Rose, McIlroy captured his first green jacket and joined the most elite company in golf history. Only five others—Sarazen, Hogan, Player, Nicklaus, and Woods—have done what McIlroy achieved at age 35: win all four modern major championships.
An Epic Sunday Back Nine
The final round at Augusta delivered a rollercoaster of emotion, with McIlroy battling nerves, a surging field, and the ghosts of Masters Sundays past. His even-par 72 in regulation brought him to 11-under 277, tied with Justin Rose, who stormed home with a brilliant 66 to post the clubhouse lead.
A bogey at 18 in regulation forced the playoff. But McIlroy regrouped, and in the most poetic of finishes, hit a 125-yard gap wedge to four feet on the same hole. After Rose’s birdie attempt slid by, McIlroy poured in the winning putt—and collapsed in tears.
“What came out of me on the last green there in the playoff,” McIlroy said, “was at least 11 years, if not 14 years, of pent-up emotion.”
39 Majors Later…
This was McIlroy’s 17th start at the Masters, and his 39th major since last hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy in 2014. His Masters résumé had included leads, collapses, and everything in between—but never the win. Now, the journey ends in triumph.
“I was nervous. I didn’t make it easy,” he admitted, jacket draped over his shoulders in the post-round press conference. “But I always believed this day would come.”
A Masters to Remember
McIlroy becomes only the third player to win THE PLAYERS and the Masters in the same season, joining Tiger Woods (2001) and Scottie Scheffler (2024). The win also ties him for the longest gap between major wins (11 years), most recently matched by Woods’ 2019 Masters victory.
McIlroy is now the sixth member of the career Grand Slam club, the 21st man with five majors, and the first to complete the Slam since Woods. But beyond the records, it was the raw emotion—the hugs with Erica and Poppy, the tears on 18—that defined this win.
“There were points where I didn’t know if I’d ever have this garment over my shoulders,” he said, patting the green jacket. “But I kept going. And here we are.”
Golf’s Final Puzzle Piece
In a world of instant takes and endless scrutiny, McIlroy’s long road to the Slam felt different. He achieved what others did in their 20s, but did it his way—weathered, wiser, and, perhaps, better for the journey.
On April 13, 2025, under blue skies and golden light, Rory McIlroy didn’t just win the Masters.
He won the storybook ending.
