1 week Ago By [email protected] (Staff reporter)
Rory McIlroy achieved a dream today, lifting the Co Down golfer's 11-year dry spell by besting Justin Rose in an electrifying playoff to clinch the 89th Masters at Augusta, completing the illustrious career grand slam. McIlroy is now the first player from Europe to triumph in all four major tournaments, putting him in the pantheon of golf greats alongside legends like Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. Sporting luminaries have been quick off the mark to celebrate the Holywood native as one of the all-time greats, with many dubbing him Ireland's finest sports personality.
Amid the accolades was a warm message from his mate Tiger Woods, who over the past six decades is the only other golfer to secure the coveted Grand Slam of golf. "Welcome to the club Rory. Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special.
Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you're a part of history. Proud of you!" declared the 15-time major victor Woods. And from another elite member of that same exclusive circle came words of praise following Rory's dramatic win at Augusta, reports Belfast Live .
"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rory McIlroy on his historic win at the Masters and completion of the career Grand Slam," expressed South African golf icon Gary Player. "The drama of today capped off with his playoff victory was simply meant to be. "This is one of the rarest and most difficult achievements in all of sport, something only now six golfers in history have ever accomplished.
We are proud to add Rory to our exclusive club and no doubt he has set the standard for his era. "To win all four major championships takes unwavering perseverance and the courage to overcome adversity time and time again in the face of immeasurable pressure few have ever experienced. Rory showed true grit today and also through the entire tournament.
"It was 11 years ago when Rory first started the final leg of his career Grand Slam journey. And throughout this time, he's carried himself with class, led with principle, and played with passion. For him to finally don the Green Jacket in golf is a moment to be celebrated by fans around the world.
Rory has made his mark on history, and all of us who love this game are incredibly proud. Well done, my friend. Welcome to our club.
" Graeme McDowell, another Northern Irish golfing star and close friend of McIlroy, also had words of praise for the Masters champion. He stated: "Rory enters golf's most elite club completing the Grand Slam. He's one of the greatest I've ever seen playing this game.
Wasn't hard to see he was special. Proud to have been by his side a few times and watched him grow. Deserves to be called one of the greatest of all time.
" Local sports star Mark Allen was overcome with emotion as he witnessed the gripping final round, taking to social media to share: "Tears in my eyes here. What have you done to me Rory McIlroy? That was the hardest days viewing ever but all worth it in the end to see you achieve your dreams. Northern Ireland's best ever sportsperson and I don't say that lightly cause we've got a few! ! Well done.
" Despite not having his best day and finishing tied for 42nd at the Masters, McIlroys mate Shane Lowry was thrilled for his friend's triumph. Speaking to Golf Channel, Lowry said: "This means everything to him," and shared insights into McIlroy's aspirations: "This is all he thinks about, all he talks about. He always said to me he'd retire a happy man if he won the green jacket so I told Erica (McIlroy's wife) he can retire now.
" Lowry lauded McIlroy's perseverance: "He's had a long 10, 11 years, he's had a lot of hurdles to get over and it's a credit to him." Tommy Fleetwood, who carded a closing 69 to finish in 21st place, praised McIlroy, asserting: "I've said it a bunch of times, I think Rory is the best player of our generation. I don't think he's had to prove that for a while.
" Fleetwood hailed McIlroy's monumental achievement: "For him to have finally got this one, a career grand slam, is unbelievably special. I think this time was always going to come, it's just Rory makes you feel like it's not going to at some point." The English golfer affirmed McIlroy's already secured status in golf history, saying: "Whatever he did today Rory's place in golf (history) was secure, but this has just added another layer on top of that.
" He concluded by venerating McIlroy: "I do believe he's the best of our generation and now he's one of the greatest of all time." Three-time major champ Padraig Harrington reckons Rory McIlroy is all set to bag more majors now that he's conquered the Masters. The Dublin native advised, "Right now, for him, it's to enjoy the moment and enjoy this and savour it and not worry about the future," adding, "The great thing for Rory, he has a very strong future-proof game so he will be around for a good few more years.
He definitely could keep stretching away with majors." With his latest triumph, McIlroy's major tally hits five, just one shy of Nick Faldo's record as the European golfer with the most majors. Faldo himself was moved, saying: "I've never been put through the wringer of emotions like that in the commentary box.
So pleased for Rory, and proud to have known him all these years since he was a whippersnapper." Tennis icon Rafa Nadal, a 22-time major winner there, said: “Congratulations Rory McIlroy! You deserved to win the Masters!" Former England, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United footballer Michael Owen said: " “The Grand Slam. Incredible Rory McIlroy.
Sends shivers down your spine watching greatness. Sport at its finest.” Even US president Donald Trump chimed in from Air Force One, praising McIlroy's grit during The Masters.
Trump responded to a reporter's query on whether he caught The Masters action with, "I have to congratulate Rory," lauding, "That took tremendous courage. He was having a hard time, but it showed great guts and stamina and courage." Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts .
.
