‘Rory McIlroy Emotional After Winning First Masters in Thrilling Playoff: “My Dreams Have Come True”’

Rory McIlroy has finally ended an 11-year wait for a major victory, clinching his inaugural Masters title in a gripping finale at Augusta National.

The Northern Irish star triumphed over English veteran Justin Rose in an exhilarating playoff after missing a putt on the final hole that would have secured the win in regulation.

In the aftermath of his victory, McIlroy collapsed to the ground in tears, overwhelmed with emotion as he embraced his partner, their daughter, and his close friend, Shane Lowry, while leaving the course.

“It feels absolutely phenomenal,” McIlroy expressed in Butler Cabin, where he was presented with the iconic green jacket by Scottie Scheffler.

“Honestly, it’s like a dream come true; my dreams have come to fruition today.

“I began to doubt if this moment would ever arrive… for the past decade, I’ve come here bearing the weight of the grand slam aspiration, and now I’m curious to see what we’ll be discussing as we head into next year’s Masters.”

“I’m just honoured and ecstatic, and incredibly proud to call myself a Masters champion.”

Holding the lead overnight, McIlroy added drama from the very beginning of the final round – he double-bogeyed the first hole, momentarily tying for the lead with Bryson DeChambeau.

By the middle of the fourth round on Monday morning, he had stretched his lead to five shots over DeChambeau and Justin Rose, before a stunning collapse put his first green jacket at risk.

On the 13th hole, McIlroy found the water hazard and double-bogeyed again, relinquishing his lead as Rose surged to 11-under and became the unexpected frontrunner.

Following a bogey from Rose, McIlroy managed to regroup and regained the lead, while DeChambeau also found trouble, dropping three shots and putting him out of contention.

Rose birdied the 18th hole to return to 11-under, tying McIlroy and heightening the possibility of a playoff matchup.

McIlroy birdied the 17th, then had a chance to win with a short par putt on the 18th, but he pushed it wide, resulting in a bogey that sent him into a playoff with Rose.

Having won four majors prior, McIlroy’s last victory came in 2014, and until this triumph, he had never managed to conquer the Masters.

This marked his 11th attempt at claiming the green jacket.

The 35-year-old was suddenly overcome with emotion again as he paid homage to his parents.

“This has been 14 years in the making,” he reflected.

“I recall going out with a four-shot lead back in 2011 and believing it was within my grasp. There was a lot of emotion bottled up that finally erupted on that 18th green.

“Moments like this make all those years and near misses worthwhile. I want to send my regards to my mum and dad, who are back in Northern Ireland.

“They have made countless sacrifices, and I can’t wait to see them next week to celebrate this achievement.”

With this victory, McIlroy has finally secured his career grand slam, having now won all four major championships.

He joins the ranks of legends such as Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.

Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth are the only two active players who have claimed three of the four majors, both in search of their own grand slam.

However, time is running short for the 54-year-old Mickelson, who needs the US Open to complete his collection before his five-year exemption from winning the 2021 PGA Championship expires after this year’s tournament.

Spieth is still aiming to clinch the PGA Championship to achieve the same feat.