“Best day of my golfing life,” Rory McIlroy proud to overcome his demons and claim maiden Masters title to complete career grand slam

Rory McIlroy claimed his 1st Masters Title and completed the career grand slam as he overcame Justin Rose in a playoff round.

“Best day of my golfing life,” Rory McIlroy proud to overcome his demons and claim maiden Masters title to complete career grand slam

Rory McIlroy (Image via X/@TheMasters)

The long wait for another major championship finally came to an end on Sunday for Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irish golfer overcame his past demons of the Augusta National and clinched his first Masters title to complete the career grand slam.

The 35-year-old entered the final round as the 54-hole leader and was paired in the final grouping alongside Bryson DeChambeau. He started the day poorly as he made a double bogey on the very first hole, leaving several fans nervous and concerned.

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He did bounce back and at one stage had a 4-shot lead over the others. However, he then blew this lead in the space of three holes with a double bogey on the par-5 13th hole and a bogey on the par-4 14th hole. A birdie on the 15th and 17th hole, saw him enter the final hole with a 1-shot lead.

His 2nd shot on the 18th hole would find the bunker. He did manage to escape that with ease and set up a 5-foot putt for the career grand slam. Unfortunately, he missed that par putt and had to settle for a bogey to end the final round with a score of 1-over 73 and being tied 11-under par for the tournament along with Justin Rose.

As Rose made a par on the first playoff hole, McIlroy managed to make a birdie and finally claimed his first win at the Masters Tournament.

During the post-round media interview, McIlroy was asked where this day ranked for him. While answering this, the now 5-time major champion ranked it as the “best day of his golfing life.“

It’s the best day of my golfing life. I am very proud of myself. I am proud of never giving up. Proud of how I kept coming back and dusting myself off and not letting the disappointments really get to me.

Rory McIlroy said in the post-round press conference

Rory McIlroy admits he dreamt about winning the Masters for a long time

Since his dramatic collapse in the final round of the 2011 Masters Tournament, this had been one tournament that Rory McIlroy wanted to win the most. His dreams finally came true on Sunday as he overcame Justin Rose in the playoff round. In the post-round conference, he expressed his excitement regarding his win and claimed he was ‘thrilled’ to call himself the Masters Champion.

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

McIlroy had a disappointing end to a great start on Round 1 as he made two late double bogeys. This led to many wondering whether he will implode once again at the Augusta National. He came soaring back into contention with a score of 66 on both Friday and Saturday.

This time the former World No.1 was able to keep his cool and despite a missed par putt on the 18th, he was able to knock down Rose in the first playoff hole.

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 post round press conference

As for Rose, it was another heartbreaking loss for him at the Augusta National. In 2018, he lost in the playoff round against Sergio Garcia. Following this loss, he is the first person to lose in the playoff at the Masters on two occasions.

How much money did Rory McIlroy get from winning the 2025 Masters Tournament?

The 89th edition of the Masters Tournament from the Augusta National concluded on Sunday with Rory McIlroy walking away as the winner. This year, the prize payout of the tournament was increased from $20 million to $21 million. So how much did McIlroy get from winning this event?

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

Last year, Scottie Scheffler pocketed $4 million from the $20 million purse. This year, McIlroy earned a bigger cheque than him.

While claiming the green jacket, McIlroy also earned $4.2 million for his efforts in the tournament. This is the second biggest winning cheque on the PGA Tour this year behind The Players Championship‘s $4.5 million, which was also won by McIlroy.

Can McIlroy now add another major championship to his resume this year? Considering that the PGA Championship is the Quail Hollow, a course he has won several times and the Open Championship in his home country, many are backing him to claim another major title before the end of this season.