Rory McIlroy Wins Masters in Playoff, Completes Career Grand Slam
Rory McIlroy won the Masters title on Sunday, beating Justin Rose in a thrilling sudden-death playoff at Augusta National.
This victory gives McIlroy his first green jacket and makes him only the sixth player to achieve a career Grand Slam, ending an 11-year wait for a major championship win.
Both players hit their drives into the fairway on the 18th hole in the playoff. McIlroy then hit an accurate approach shot, landing just four feet from the pin. Rose’s shot landed about 15 feet away, and his birdie putt missed the hole, leaving him with a par. McIlroy then made his birdie putt and fell to the ground in emotion.
The day was not easy for the 35-year-old McIlroy. He finished the final round with a score of 1-over 73. He started with a double bogey on the first hole, which caused him to briefly lose the lead. He fought back but had another double bogey later and missed a key five-foot par putt on the last hole, which would have won the tournament in regulation and forced the playoff against Rose.
This win was a dream come true for McIlroy, who had tried 10 times to win at Augusta. He joins golf greats like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player, who have also won all four major championships. McIlroy’s last major victory was in 2014 at the PGA Championship.
After his win, McIlroy said, “It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here. I was wondering if it would ever be my time. I’m thrilled and proud to be a Masters champion.” His emotional reaction on the 18th green shows how much this achievement means after so many near misses.
Justin Rose, who shot an impressive final round of 66 with a birdie on the 18th to force the playoff, finished as the runner-up for the third time at the Masters, twice losing in playoffs. McIlroy not only received the green jacket but also won $4.2 million from a record $21 million prize pool.