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After much anticipation, the journey towards Grand Slam glory has finally culminated, although Rory McIlroy once again took his devoted fans on an emotional ride through the highs and lows of the Majors.
Throughout the majority of the final day at Augusta, McIlroy appeared to have the Masters well in hand, but a relentless Justin Rose was equally focused on securing the green jacket he has desired for the last ten years.
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The match culminated in a playoff between the Ryder Cup teammates after McIlroy missed a five-foot par putt on the 72nd green that would have secured his victory without extra holes.
At the first playoff hole, Rose made a fantastic approach from around 15 feet, applying pressure on McIlroy. Yet, McIlroy rose to the occasion, hitting his second shot within a yard of the hole.
Rose needed to make his putt to stay in the playoff but watched helplessly as his ball rolled past the edge.
Could McIlroy afford to let yet another chance at the coveted green jacket slip away?
Fortunately, he did not. In a moment of sheer relief, he clutched his head, knelt down, and sobbed openly on the hallowed grounds of Augusta.
After collecting himself, McIlroy stood up to embrace his caddie, Harry Diamond, as well as the disappointed Rose.
This incredible Masters finale showcased an extraordinary champion. What more could anyone ask for?
Rose has now been the runner-up at Augusta three times, and in a gripping finish, McIlroy seemed intent on prolonging the heart-stopping drama for his extensive fan base as long as he could.
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Last year’s second-place finisher Ludvig Aberg was also closely following McIlroy, adding to a thrilling finish that had everyone at the edge of their seats.
After nearly squandering a four-shot lead on the back nine—partly due to a couple of questionable choices at the par-five 13th—McIlroy produced two remarkable moments that prevented disaster during the Masters.
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The first was at the par-five 15th, a hole where McIlroy experienced disappointment with a double bogey on day one but felt exhilaration after an eagle during round three.
Just a day earlier, McIlroy had aimed 220 yards and landed his second shot within six feet of the cup before smoothly sinking the putt.
This time, with the stakes raised, McIlroy found himself just 11 yards from the green.
He executed a similarly beautiful approach shot, landing softly on the green and setting himself just two yards from the hole.
With the pressure mounting, McIlroy took careful aim and rolled it close enough for a birdie, reclaiming his top position on the leaderboard.
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In a dramatic turn, Rose sank a twenty-footer for birdie at the final hole, drawing level with McIlroy at 11 under par.
Now it was McIlroy’s moment again, fully aware that mistakes in the last three holes could derail his long-awaited quest for that elusive Major.
McIlroy, now 35, had become an avid admirer of Bridgerton leading up to this Masters. If the hit period drama could stir this level of excitement, its viewership would surely skyrocket.
After making par at 16, McIlroy found his groove again with yet another stellar approach on the 17th.
Everyone at Augusta, along with millions of fans cheering from home, held their breath as he set up to make a four-footer for birdie.
And he did, amid a roar from the crowd—McIlroy let out a sigh of relief.
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That meant he needed to make a putt for par at the very last hole to deny Rose a chance to playoff. Unfortunately, he found himself in a bunker after his second shot and, upon splashing out, was left with the ultimate golfer’s dream—a five-footer to clinch the Masters.
McIlroy missed it initially but managed to conquer his nerves in that nail-biting playoff moment, ultimately securing the victory.
With this achievement, he has secured his place among golf’s elite, becoming only the sixth player to accomplish the career Grand Slam.
After an eleven-year hiatus since his last Major win, golf’s golden boy has emerged rejuvenated as a seasoned champion.
This journey has not been easy for McIlroy as he joins the ranks of legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen—names that adorn all four Major titles.
Not surprisingly, this victory wasn’t devoid of its turmoil, punctuated by a peculiar decision on the back nine that led to a third double bogey for the tournament.
But in the end, it proved to be all worth it.
While the world rankings may not yet reflect his triumph, given they account for results over two years, it’s undeniable that the world No. 2 is currently the top golfer.
He has already amassed three victories in the States this season. Meanwhile, world No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler has yet to secure a win this season.
This victory was a genuine rollercoaster; McIlroy started strong but quickly lost his two-shot advantage over the first two holes before coming back with four birdies, only to face challenges on the 13th hole.
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After opting not to go for the green in two, he aimed straight for the flag, hoping for a long birdie putt. This strategy prevented the need for an excess of six or seven putts!
Clearly, McIlroy was not in the right frame of mind, as he misfired with his shot, sending the ball off the bank and into Rae’s Creek, which resulted in a seven.
This misstep opened the door for Rose, who surged back into contention.
Though Rose is now 44, his determination to win once more and add to his 2013 US Open title nearly paid off.
His closing 66 was worthy of any Major victory, managing the final 12 holes at six under par with a total of EIGHT birdies and two bogeys.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough, leaving him as the runner-up once again, mirroring his finishes in 2025 and 2017.
This was undeniably McIlroy’s moment. At long last!
