Rory McIlroy described his thrilling play-off victory at The Masters as feeling like winning his first major again, as he completed golf’s prestigious Grand Slam and ended over a decade of pressure. His dramatic win, which came against Justin Rose in a sudden-death play-off, saw McIlroy sink a birdie on the first hole after missing a five-foot par putt on the 18th in regulation that had forced the play-off. On the play-off hole, McIlroy returned to the 18th and made sure to seize the moment, hitting his approach shot within two feet of the cup, sealing his victory.
This win made McIlroy only the sixth golfer in history to have claimed each of the four major championships, joining legends such as Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. At 35 years old, McIlroy had been chasing a Masters victory for more than a decade, with his 2011 collapse—when he lost a four-shot lead on the back nine—still a haunting memory. His victory also marked his first major since the 2014 PGA Championship, following a string of close calls.
In an emotional interview with RTÉ Sport’s Greg Allen, McIlroy reflected on the relief and joy of finally securing the Green Jacket. He admitted that it had been a long time coming, and expressed immense satisfaction with his triumph, particularly given his prior near-misses at Augusta. “It feels absolutely incredible, it’s been a long time coming,” he said. McIlroy highlighted how each year he arrives at Augusta with high hopes and dedication, but this time, everything fell into place.
McIlroy’s form leading up to The Masters was a contributing factor to his success, having recently won The Players Championship. His confidence was at an all-time high as he arrived at Augusta, ready for whatever challenges the course would present. Despite a few early struggles during the final round, McIlroy was able to weather the storm and secure the win.
Reflecting on the significance of completing the Grand Slam, McIlroy acknowledged that it further solidified his place in golf history alongside the game’s all-time greats. He also emphasized that his victory felt like the beginning of a new chapter in his career. “It felt like I was striving to win my first again,” McIlroy admitted. “So to be able to get over the line… that’s incredibly satisfying.”
Looking ahead, McIlroy expressed excitement for the rest of the year’s majors, now with a newfound sense of freedom. He no longer carries the burden of wondering when he’ll secure a Masters win or his next major. “I’ve got the Grand Slam monkey off my back,” he said, relieved of the constant questions about his career achievements. McIlroy now feels he can approach future major tournaments with confidence and without the pressure he has faced in the past, believing this victory could mark the beginning of even greater successes.