Rory McIlroy lets the emotion flow after winning the Masters golf tournament at Augusta, Georgia. 14 April, 2025. Photo: AFP
Rory McIlroy has become just the sixth golfer to win the men's Grand Slam with a heart-stopping victory at the Masters at Augusta, Georgia.
McIlroy had to go to a playoff to beat Englishman Justin Rose after at one stage of the final round leading by four strokes.
He recovered from a shocking double bogey at the 13th, but missed a five-foot putt on the 18th to send the match into a playoff, with he and Rose both on 11-under.
In the playoff, McIroy nailed his birdie putt after Rose's attempt slid past the hole.
The Northern Irishman joins Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as winners of the modern Grand Slam that comprises the Masters, US Open, British Open and PGA Championship.
It's been a long wait for McIlroy who won the 2011 US Open, the 2012 and 2014 PGA Championships, and the 2014 British Open.
McIlroy dropped to his knees after clinching the win, visibly shaking with his head buried in his hands.
There were tears as he hugged his wife Erica and four-year-old daughter Poppy.
Rory McIlroy. Photo: AFP
Before last year's Masters winner Scottie Scheffler presented him with the tournament's green jacket, McIlroy said he was pleased with his response after shots went awry during the round.
"It's my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time," McIlroy, who finally succeeded on his 11th attempt at the Masters to seal the Grand Slam.
"I'm just absolutely honoured and thrilled and just so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."
McIlroy said there was a lot of pent-up emotion after he sank the winning putt.
"A moment like that makes up for all the years and all the close calls worth it."
McIlroy teared up when acknowledging his parents, Rosie and Gerry, who had made big sacrifices to help launch his career.
He said he would be seeing them next week. "I can't wait to celebrate with them."
Justin Rose of England plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta, Georgia, 14 April, 2025. Photo: AFP
It was another near-thing at the Masters for Rose, who has been runner-up three times at Augusta National, including a playoff loss to Sergio Garcia in 2017.
Rose had a final round 66 this year, while McIlroy had a 72.
Patrick Reed finished third at nine-under while Scheffler was a stroke back in fourth. Both Americans hit final round 69s.
