Back in 1998, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were still on friendly terms. But a light-hearted $500 bet during a practice round at the Nissan Open changed their dynamic. After Mickelson won the wager, he playfully took it a step further—placing photocopies of the hundred-dollar bills in Tiger’s locker with a cheeky note: “Just wanted you to know Benji and his friends are very happy in their new home.” That act marked the beginning of a long-standing tension between the two. Nearly two decades passed before they shared another practice round. Now, in 2025, the Masters has brought them together again—this time in mutual admiration for Rory McIlroy.
Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory. Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special. Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re a part of history. Proud of you!
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 14, 2025
Both golfing legends expressed their congratulations to McIlroy, who finally completed his career Grand Slam with a dramatic win at Augusta. Tiger Woods posted, “Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory. Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special. Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re a part of history. Proud of you!”
Phil Mickelson, also moved by the moment, shared his thoughts on social media: “What an incredible Masters. Congrats to Rory on his win and for completing the career grand slam. Amazing.”
What in incredible Masters 😳
Congrats to Rory on his win and for completing the career grand slam. Amazing 👍— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) April 13, 2025
Rory McIlroy’s performance was nothing short of thrilling. He began the final round with a two-stroke lead over Bryson DeChambeau but stumbled right out of the gate with a double bogey on the first hole, causing many to fear another Masters heartbreak. However, McIlroy quickly regained control, recording four birdies between holes 3 and 10, appearing to build a commanding lead.
While DeChambeau faded, Justin Rose emerged as a serious threat. McIlroy, meanwhile, struggled through the next few holes with a double bogey and two more bogeys, giving Rose a window. With two late birdies, Rory managed to carry a one-stroke lead into the final hole. A bogey there allowed Rose to catch up, forcing a sudden-death playoff.
Returning to the 18th hole—known as “Holly”—the drama reached its peak. McIlroy’s birdie sealed the win, while Rose could only manage par. After nearly 11 years of trying and many close calls, McIlroy finally captured the green jacket and completed his career Grand Slam, joining the ranks of golf’s all-time greats.
His victory not only marked a personal triumph but also seemed to inspire a rare moment of unity between two of golf’s fiercest rivals. McIlroy’s win is being hailed as a turning point—not just in his career, but possibly in the spirit of sportsmanship among golf’s biggest names.