A victory becomes more than just personal when it resonates deeply with the entire sports community. That’s exactly what unfolded today at Augusta National, as Rory McIlroy finally captured the elusive green jacket. His dramatic birdie on the 18th hole during a playoff against Justin Rose sealed the win, igniting an outpouring of emotion across the golf world. The long and often heartbreaking journey to complete his career Grand Slam had finally ended in triumph — a moment that became a collective celebration for players and fans alike.
Almost immediately, reactions poured in from fellow professionals. Bryson DeChambeau was one of the first to express his emotions. “I wanted to cry for him,” he admitted, capturing the sentiment felt by many. He praised McIlroy’s fearless play on the final hole, noting how most would play it safe by aiming for the middle of the green. “I can’t believe he went for it,” he said, emphasizing the bravery and boldness behind McIlroy’s decision.
Shane Lowry greeting his best friend. 💛 pic.twitter.com/sMQXL1HECx
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 13, 2025
Shane Lowry, McIlroy’s countryman and partner in their recent Zurich Classic win, was there to share the moment. As McIlroy stepped onto the green after his victory, he embraced Lowry, overcome with tears. Lowry later revealed how much this win meant to Rory. “It’s all he talks about, it’s all he thinks about,” he said. “He told me he would retire a happy man if he won the Green Jacket.”
Social media lit up with support. Michael S. Kim posted in all caps, “I CAN’T TAKE THIS,” reflecting the intense emotion of the moment. Byeong Hun An shared his heartfelt congratulations, saying he had never felt so happy for another player. Billy Horschel added his voice to the celebration with a simple but powerful message: “History!! Well done, Rory! Well done!”
Min Woo Lee also honored the moment, thanking Augusta National for the opportunity to compete on such sacred ground. He extended heartfelt congratulations to McIlroy, calling the achievement of a Grand Slam “crazy” and urging him to “Don’t stop believing.” His words echoed the admiration and inspiration drawn from McIlroy’s perseverance and final breakthrough.
As tribute after tribute came in, it was clear that McIlroy’s journey had struck a chord with the entire professional golf community. His road to this triumph had been long and filled with setbacks.
One of the most painful came in 2011, when he led going into the final round but suffered a disastrous collapse, highlighted by a triple bogey on the 10th hole. His round of 80 dropped him to 15th place. That moment cast a long shadow over his career.
From 2014 to 2018, McIlroy remained close, recording four consecutive top-10 finishes at the Masters. A runner-up finish in 2022, thanks to a brilliant final-round 64, rekindled hope, especially after an electrifying bunker shot on the 18th. But that year, Scottie Scheffler ultimately walked away with the title.
In his emotional post-victory press conference, McIlroy admitted to the long burden he had carried. “I think I’ve carried that burden since August 2014. It’s nearly 11 years,” he said. “And not just about winning my next major, but the career Grand Slam.” Support from legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods had built pressure, not comfort. “It’s very flattering, but it doesn’t help. I wish they didn’t say it,” he confessed.
Now, with the green jacket finally his, McIlroy’s triumph represents far more than just personal success. It’s a story of redemption and persistence, culminating in a moment that united the golf world in celebration.