- Rory McIlroy completed a career Grand Slam by beating Justin Rose in a playoff
- The world No 2 has endured 11 years at Augusta since he won his last major title
- And McIlroy’s reaction to winning his first green jacket was picked up on camera
Rory McIlroy’s joy and relief at finally winning the Masters title were encapsulated perfectly by one seven-word quip that he shared with his friends and was picked up by cameras.
The Northern Irishman held his nerve to see off Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff to complete a career Grand Slam and end 11 years of heartbreak since his 2014 PGA Championship victory.
McIlroy joins Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to capture the four major championships in the Masters era.
After his winning birdie putt dropped to seal the victory over his Ryder Cup teammate, McIlroy collapsed to the ground with his head in hands as his shoulders wracked with sobs.
The 35-year-old took a moment to celebrate his historic achievement with his family, team and supporters in the Augusta crowd, earning shouts such as ‘Atta boy, Rory!’
McIlroy then caused much amusement by excusing himself abruptly with the words: ‘I’ve gotta go get a green jacket!’
Rory McIlroy drops to his knees in ecstasy after sinking the birdie which sealed the Masters
The thrilled Northern Irishman is helped into his jacket by 2024 champion Scottie Scheffle
McIlroy said that the years of heartbreak and near misses had made his triumph all the sweeter
He then made off swiftly to the champion’s ceremony in Butler’s Cabin where he was awarded the iconic green jacket for the first time.
It was no surprise to see tears in the world No 2’s eyes as the previous winner, 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, helped him put on the most famous garment in sport.
It was a moment which closed the circle on McIlroy’s journey at Augusta which included plenty of near misses, not least the 2011 tournament when he blew a final-round lead.
‘It feels incredible,’ said the 2025 champion.
‘This is my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time?.
‘I’d say it was 14 years in the making, from going out with the four-shot lead in 2011 — feeling like I could have got it done there.
‘There was a lot of pent up emotion that just came out on the 18th green. But a moment like that makes all of the years and close calls worth it.’
