Rory McIlroy Wins First Masters to Complete Career Grand Slam

• Apr 14, 2025

Rory McIlroy made golf history on Sunday by winning the Masters in a dramatic playoff, finally completing the career Grand Slam.

The 35-year-old Northern Irish golfer joined an elite group of just six players who have won all four major championships: the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship. His win at Augusta National came after a tense battle with Justin Rose that ended in sudden death.

The final round was anything but smooth for McIlroy. He began the day with a two-shot lead but quickly lost it within two holes. His troubles continued on the back nine, where a series of mistakes—including a double bogey on the 13th hole after hitting into Rae’s Creek—nearly cost him the tournament. Despite the setbacks, McIlroy stayed composed and responded with two crucial birdies that brought him back into contention.

His second birdie came after a powerful 8-iron approach shot that landed just 2 feet from the hole, giving him a one-shot lead. But the victory was not sealed just yet. On the final hole of regulation, he missed a 5-foot par putt, forcing a playoff with Justin Rose—who had earlier drained a 20-foot birdie putt to tie for the lead.

In the playoff, McIlroy delivered under pressure. He hit a wedge shot to within 3 feet of the pin on the 18th green. Rose couldn’t answer, missing his 15-foot birdie attempt, allowing McIlroy to finally put on the green jacket.

The emotional win came after 11 years without a major title. McIlroy, who first won a major in 2011, had been chasing the Masters win for over a decade. As he sank the winning putt, he dropped to his knees, overcome with emotion, and laid his forehead on the green.

The victory was part of one of the most unpredictable Sundays in Masters history. Bryson DeChambeau, who started strong, fell apart on the back nine with multiple three-putts and water hazards. Ludvig Åberg, another contender, also slipped late in the round.

Despite his early mistakes, McIlroy’s resilience and determination carried him through. His long-awaited triumph at Augusta has now cemented his place among golf’s all-time greats.