Rory McIlroy won the Golden Slam. © APA / RICHARD HEATHCOTE

Tears and congratulations: McIlroy completes Grand Slam

Rory McIlroy fell to his knees sobbing and let the tears flow freely, then with a primal scream all the tension in the golf star was released.

14 April 2025

From: dpa

The deafening chants of "Rory" that had accompanied the Northern Irishman throughout the entire tournament in Augusta erupted around the green. McIlroy had done it.

After eleven years and many failed attempts, the 35-year-old became the first European to complete the career Grand Slam with his victory at the Masters. McIlroy has now won the four major tournaments and was presented with the coveted Green Jacket by defeated defending champion Scottie Scheffler – there was probably no one who wouldn't have wished it on him.

"Welcome to the club," wrote US golf icon Tiger Woods, one of many congratulatory messages. These included not only colleagues, but also football star Patrick Mahomes, former tennis dominator Rafael Nadal, and prominent actors such as Ben Stiller.

After the tears, jokes again

"I wasn't sure I'd ever make it," McIlroy said after his redeeming triumph on the 17th attempt, his tears back to joking. "After so many years with the weight of the Grand Slam on my shoulders, though, I'm wondering what we'll be talking about next year."

The long-time world number one had already won the other majors – the British Open, the US Open, and the PGA Championship. His last triumph, however, was eleven years ago. In addition to the green jacket, McIlroy received over $4,2 million in prize money (approximately €3,7 million); the tournament in Georgia had a total purse of $21 million.

Rory McIlroy, golf superstar. © ANSA / ERIK S. LESSER

In his speech, the winner paid tribute to his caddie, Harry Diamond, a friend since childhood in Northern Ireland. "He's been like a big brother to me my whole life," said McIlroy with tears in his eyes. "I couldn't imagine anyone better to share this with than him."

On his way to the title, McIlroy was visibly struggling with emotions after a veritable rollercoaster ride through the four days of the tournament. An average opening 72 was followed by two rounds of 66, which gave McIlroy a lead going into the final day.

There, however, it was Justin Rose who first came out on top. The Englishman, who had led the standings after the first few days, gradually closed in on the leader with a 66, while McIlroy first missed the 13th hole and finally missed the final putt for what seemed like a historic victory. Thus, both opponents had completed the four rounds in exactly 277 strokes and finished eleven strokes under par.