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5 days ago
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Tiger Woods welcomed Rory McIlroy to golf’s most exclusive club after his dramatic victory in the Masters early on Monday morning.
Holywood, County Down-born McIlroy defeated England’s Justin Rose on the first hole of a playoff at Augusta National to join Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen in having won all four major titles.
“Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory,” Woods posted on social media. “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!”
McIlroy’s close friend and fellow player Shane Lowry joked that McIlroy could happily retire after completing the career grand slam. “This means everything to him,” Lowry told Golf Channel.
“This is all he thinks about, all he talks about,” Lowry added. “He always said to me he’d retire a happy man if he won the green jacket, so I told Erica [McIlroy’s wife] he can retire now. He’s had a long 10, 11 years, he’s had a lot of hurdles to get over and it’s a credit to him.”
England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who finished tied for 21st after a closing round of 69, added: “I’ve said it a bunch of times, I think Rory is the best player of our generation. I don’t think he’s had to prove that for a while.
“For him to have finally got this one, a career grand slam, is unbelievably special. I think this time was always going to come, it’s just Rory makes you feel like it’s not going to at some point.
“Whatever he did today, Rory’s place in golf [history] was secure, but this has just added another layer on top of that. I do believe he’s the best of our generation and now he’s one of the greatest of all time.”
Michael D Higgins, the Irish president, joined political leaders from across the island in celebrating McIlroy’s victory, calling it a “truly outstanding achievement”.
Northern Ireland’s first minister Michelle O’Neill said the Holywood golfer’s “incredible” triumph placed him among the sport’s greatest. “This is a huge moment in sporting history, and one that has filled everyone back home with great pride and that will undoubtedly inspire future generations to chase their dreams,” she posted on X. “Enjoy the well-deserved celebrations, Rory!”
Irish premier Micheal Martin described the win as “epic”. “The Green Jacket is yours Rory McIlroy,” the Taoiseach posted on X. “A finish for the ages at Augusta to win The Masters and complete a richly-deserved career Grand Slam. Epic achievement by one of golf’s greatest talents.”
The late-night finish – with the playoff concluding after 12.15am BST – left Irish newspapers scrambling to reflect the momentous result in their final print editions. The Irish Times’ headline recognised “The Master” on their front page: “Rory finally conquers Augusta and completes Grand Slam,” adding that the victory “seals place among immortals”.
Belfast Telegraph saluted “Rory’s Master piece” after “final hole agony” turned to “play-off ecstasy”. The Irish Independent carried a similar picture of the winner roaring in delight after he had collapsed to his knees on sinking the winning putt – it noted the “tears and cheers” on and around the 18th green. The Irish Daily star took a similar tack with “Rory’s Masters peace”, reflecting the weight lifted off the 35-year-old’s shoulders.
In the US, the New York Times reflected on the epic “roller coaster ride” across the final day – and indeed the three that had preceded it – that had led McIlroy to victory, while the LA Times said: “Rory rose even higher.” The Washington Post reflected on a “wild” final round at Augusta, adding: “After a stomach-churning Sunday, Rory McIlroy looks grand in green.”
The New York Post noted that the player is now “among the elite”, adding that “it took sudden death playoffs, but Rory McIlroy finally earned his green jacket.”
