McIlroy wins Masters to complete career Grand Slam

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates after winning the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, USA, April 13, 2025. /VCG

Rory McIlroy ended his long wait for a Masters title with a birdie on the opening hole of a sudden-death playoff to beat Justin Rose, and claim a career Grand Slam, following a nerve-wracking final round on Sunday.

After missing a five-foot par putt at the 18th hole in regulation to fall into a playoff, McIlroy made sure he did not let his latest chance at major glory slip away, and returned to the same hole in the extra session to roll in his approach from two feet away.

When the winning putt dropped, the Northern Irishman raised his arms toward the clear sky and let his putter fall behind him as he fell to his knees, overcome with emotion.

McIlroy then embraced his wife Erica and daughter Poppy as chants of "Rory! Rory!" rang out around the green, before making his way toward Butler Cabin to collect the Green Jacket that he almost threw away earlier, after a back-nine stumble.