They were made to endure five hours of pure sporting agony but come the very last putt of the 2025 Masters, it was all worth it.
Rory McIlroy ended 11 years of torment Sunday when he finally bested Augusta National to claim his first Masters victory and seal the career Grand Slam.
Over 3,000 miles away in Co. Down, Northern Ireland, tortuous nerves gave away to unbridled elation as they watched one of their own slip into the coveted Green Jacket.
After a night when members at Holywood Golf Club endured an emotional rollercoaster like no other, the clubhouse erupted as the local hero sank his birdie putt at the first play-off hole at Augusta National to finally capture a long sought green jacket and enter golfing immortality as a winner of the career grand slam of major titles.
There were tears and cheers as club stalwarts embraced, while junior members who dream of emulating their hometown champion chanted his name.
The celebrations were a marked contrast to the somber mood inside the club earlier in the night during the agonizing moments of McIlroy’s final round when he looked to have blown his chances of glory.
Rory McIlroy broke his Masters curse Sunday when he finally slipped into the Green Jacket
3,182 miles away in Co. Down, Northern Ireland, his golf club erupted in unbridled joy
Members of Holywood Golf Club gathered into the wee hours to watch McIlroy’s victory
The Northern Irishman endured a rollercoaster of the final round, missing a putt for par on the last hole of regulation to send the battle for the Green Jacket to sudden death against England’s Justin Rose.
But McIlroy held his mettle, besting his Ryder Cup teammate with a birdie on the first playoff in emotional scenes.
Chris O’Neill, principal at McIlroy’s former school, St. Patrick’s Primary, told Mail Sport of the joy felt back at home.
‘What an amazing achievement by Rory,’ he said. ‘He really made it an emotional roller coaster for everyone watching here in Holywood. The staff and pupils are so proud of all his achievements over the years but to become the first European Grand Slam winner is fantastic and so inspiring for our pupils. Congratulations, Rory!’
Meanwhile, Holywood Golf Club captain Trevor Heaven said he had a feeling that 2025 was going to be McIlroy’s year.
‘We’re so proud – this is immense for Holywood Golf Club,’ he told the PA.
‘When I took on the captain role I got my green jacket, and I always said, ‘if I get my green jacket, Rory will come after me’.’
Meanwhile, the President of Ireland joined political leaders from across the island in hailing McIlroy’s triumph at Augusta.
Club captain Trevor Heaven, club president Tony Denvir with his wife and former captain Paula Denvir (L-R) celebrate the Northern Irishman’s triumph
They were made to endure five hours of sporting agony throughout the rollercoaster round
Fans back home watched on as the lead slipped away from their countryman multiple times
Members react as McIlroy’s putt to win in regulation rolled past, forcing a playoff
Michael D Higgins said McIlroy’s thrilling victory, which finally secured him a career Grand Slam of major victories, was a ‘truly outstanding achievement’.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the Holywood golfer’s ‘incredible’ triumph placed him among the sport’s greatest.
‘This is a huge moment in sporting history, and one that has filled everyone back home with great pride and that will undoubtedly inspire future generations to chase their dreams,’ she posted on X.
‘Enjoy the well-deserved celebrations, Rory!’
Back in Georgia, the freshly-crowned five-time major winner toasted the significant victory with his loved ones.
McIlroy was overcome with tears of joy as he embraced his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy in emotionally-charged scenes.
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.
Rising to his feet, he clung to caddie, Harry Diamond, who has been by McIlroy’s side through thick and thin for over seven years. The pair shared a tearful moment before the 2025 Masters winner acknowledged his dueling partner Rose and rushed off the putting surface to where Stoll and four-year-old Poppy were waiting.
A tearful Rory McIlroy embraced his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy after Masters win
After defeating Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff, the Irishman rushed to his family at the 18th
McIlroy went straight to his wife of eight years, who wowed in an all-white ensemble and dramatic wide-brimmed hat, and pulled her into an embrace.
The Irishman then knelt down to hug Poppy, who looked overwhelmed by the occasion, before scooping her into his arms as the tears continued to spill over.
The freshly-crowned five-time major winner later paid tribute to his family during his Green Jacket ceremony.
‘Last but not least, over to my left, my family, my team,’ he said, trailing off as the tears threatened to spill again.
‘They’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through. They know the burden that I’ve carried to come here every year and try and try and try again,’ he continued after recomposing himself.
‘The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy, never give up on your dreams. Never ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back. Keep working hard.’
