2 weeks Ago
An emotional Rory McIlroy broke down in tears after breaking his 11-year major drought and winning a maiden Masters title following a dramatic final round at Augusta National on Monday morning AEST. In a topsy-turvy final day, McIlroy blew a four-shot lead on the back nine and missed an awkward putt on the 18th hole to force a playoff against England’s Justin Rose. But after hitting an clutch wedge from 125 yards and draining the subsequent putt, McIlroy vanquished his demons and won a coveted green jacket.
FOX SPORTS, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch the 2025 Masters LIVE | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer > The Irishman raised his arms in triumph before dropping to his knees and sobbing on the ground as the crowd erupted in applause. He let out a visceral scream before embracing caddie Harry Diamond, while Rose congratulated the 35-year-old with a warm hug.
McIlroy, who struggled to contain his emotions, pumping his fists and doubling over in disbelief with deep breaths, also found close mate Shane Lowry, with the duo sharing a heartwarming embrace. Lastly, he hugged wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy with an infectious smile. “It feels incredible,” McIlroy later said.
“This is my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time. “The last ten years coming here with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulders and trying to achieve that, I started to wonder what we would talk about going into next year’s Masters. “I’m just absolutely honoured and thrilled and just so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.
” McIlroy become is the sixth male golfer to compete the career grand slam, while Tiger Woods is the only other to have won all four majors in the last 59 years. “I would say it was 14 years in the making, from going out with a four-shot lead in 2011, and feeling like I could have gotten it done there,” McIlroy continued. “There was a lot of pent-up emotion that just came out on that 18th green, but a moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.
” During the interview, McIlroy broke down while talking about his parents. “I want to say hello to my mum and dad, they’re back home in Northern Ireland,” he said through tears. “I can’t wait to see them next week, I can’t wait to celebrate this with them.
” McIlroy also became first player to win the Masters after making four double bogeys across the 72 holes. “When I hit the wedge shot into the creek on 13, I felt like I did a really good job of bouncing back from that,” he explained. “I was really nervous going out, and it was almost as if the double bogey at the first calmed my nerves a little bit and got me into it in a funny way.
“All week, how I responded to setbacks, I think that’s what I’ll take from this week, and I couldn’t be more proud of myself for that and being able to bounce back when I needed to.”.
