Rory McIlroy captured his first Masters green jacket and completed the career Grand Slam on Sunday at Augusta National after a rollercoaster final round and a tense playoff against Justin Rose. McIlroy’s victory ended an 11-year major drought and marked him as only the sixth golfer and first since Tiger Woods to achieve the career Grand Slam.
The final round was a dramatic back-and-forth battle, initially featuring McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, who pushed McIlroy hard after the 54-hole leader stumbled with a double bogey on the first hole. DeChambeau briefly took the lead but faltered with costly mistakes, including a double bogey on the 11th and a water hazard on the 15th, finishing five shots behind.
McIlroy showed resilience, birdieing key holes like the 3rd, 4th, and 17th to regain and extend his lead. However, nerves crept in late as he dropped shots on the 18th, forcing a playoff with Justin Rose, who had steadily climbed the leaderboard.
In the sudden-death playoff on the 18th hole, both players hit the fairway and approached the green with precision. McIlroy’s approach settled just feet from the hole, while Rose’s putt missed. McIlroy calmly sank his birdie putt, collapsing to the ground in tears of relief and joy.
Reflecting on his mindset, McIlroy revealed he distracted himself by following tennis star Carlos Alcaraz’s Monte Carlo Masters win to maintain focus. The victory not only secured the coveted green jacket but also cemented McIlroy’s place among golf’s all-time greats.
Bryson DeChambeau’s final round 75 was a disappointment after his strong contention, but the duel between the two stars provided a thrilling spectacle for golf fans worldwide.
This Masters will be remembered for its dramatic swings, intense pressure, and McIlroy’s triumphant return to major glory.
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Key Highlights:
- McIlroy overcame two double bogeys and a late stumble to force a playoff
- DeChambeau briefly led but faltered with costly errors
- McIlroy’s playoff birdie on the 18th secured his first Masters win and career Grand Slam
- The win ended McIlroy’s 11-year major championship drought
- Justin Rose finished runner-up for the third time at the Masters
This victory solidifies Rory McIlroy’s legacy as one of golf’s modern legends.
