Donald Trump praises Rory McIlroy for ‘amazing’ Masters Tournament victory

US President Donald Trump congratulated Rory McIlroy for winning the Masters Tournament and praised his performance on Sunday.

Donald Trump praises Rory McIlroy for ‘amazing’ Masters Tournament victory

Donald Trump and Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago/X/@NUCLRGOLF)

On Sunday, Rory McIlroy finally clinched the green jacket and won the Masters Tournament in thrilling fashion. Following his win, United States President Donald Trump congratulated the Northern Irish for his ‘amazing‘ victory.

McIlroy, who entered the final round with a 2 shot lead over second-place golfer Bryson DeChambeau, had some tough moments. He was able to bounce back from these setbacks and despite missing a 5-foot par putt to win it on the final hole, he remained calm.

YouTube video

After making a bogey on the final hole, the tournament headed into a playoff round as McIlroy and Justin Rose both finished 11-under par for the event. In this, the Englishmen made a par in the first hole. Meanwhile, McIlroy was able to make a birdie, which sealed his win.

As he celebrated his win, US President Donald Trump was asked by reporters whether he saw the Masters. Trump, who is a huge golf fan, went on to praise McIlroy for his efforts.

I have to congratulate Rory. That took tremendous courage. He was having a hard time, but it showed great guts and stamina and courage… It’s better for him that it happened that way because that showed real courage to have come back from what could’ve been a tragedy – it was amazing.

Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One

Trump is also a huge fan of McIlroy. Earlier this year, the two of them played a round of golf together. During a political meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, Trump revealed that he teed off with McIlroy a few weeks ago and expressed that he ‘loves’ him.

Rory McIlroy completed career grand slam with victory at the Masters Tournament

Before the Masters Tournament, the major storyline regarding Rory McIlroy was whether this was his year. The World No.2 had won 4 major championships from 2011 to 2014, but had suffered some heartbreaking moments in the past few years. On Sunday, not only did he end his decade-long major championship drought but also completed the career grand slam.

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy (Image via X/@TheMasters)

A golfer is said to have completed the career grand slam if they win all four major championships, the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open and the Open Championship. In the long history of golf, only 5 players had previously won all four of these events.

He won the U.S. Open in 2011, a few months after he suffered a dramatic collapse in the 2011 Masters Tournament. He then won the PGA Championship in 2012 and the Open Championship in 2014. Since then, he needed to win the Masters Tournament to complete the grand slam.

He, though, has some outings at the Augusta National in recent years. After making a double bogey on the 13th hole in the final round, it seemed history would repeat itself. However, he bounced back strongly and eventually took down Justin Rose in the playoff round to win the event. He thus became the 6th player to complete the career grand slam.

Masters Tournament victory a dream come true for Rory McIlroy

The Masters Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in golf. For many golfers, this is one of the events they want to win the most compared to other tournaments. During the press conference on Sunday, Rory McIlroy pointed this out and stated that it was a dream come true for him.

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy (Image via X/@PGATOUR)

Earlier this year, McIlroy stated that winning the green jacket at the Augusta National was one of his three goals. On Sunday, he finally achieved one of his lifelong goals and joined the winners’ circle of the Masters Tournament.

Look, it’s a dream come true. I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember. I mentioned it out in the prize ceremony, but watching Tiger here in 1997 do what he did, and then winning his first green jacket, I think that inspired so many of my generation to want to emulate what he did.

Rory McIlroy said in the Masters Tournament press conference

The win also saw McIlroy claim $4.2 million from the $21 million prize pool. This year, the prize pool was increased by $1 million from last year’s $20 million. This is his third winning cheque on the PGA Tour this year, having previously won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship in February and March, respectively.