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Rory McIlroy Wins Masters, Earns Green Jacket and Golf History

Rory McIlroy Wins Masters, Earns Green Jacket and Golf History/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rory McIlroy claimed his first Masters title in a dramatic playoff against Justin Rose, completing the career Grand Slam. After 11 years of close calls and heartbreak, McIlroy delivered clutch birdies to secure golf’s most iconic title. The win makes him the sixth player in history to win all four major championships.

Scottie Scheffler puts the green Jacket on winner, Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, at the Masters golf tournament, Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

McIlroy’s Historic Masters Victory: Quick Looks

  • Grand Slam Achieved: McIlroy joins elite group with all four major titles
  • Playoff Drama: Beat Justin Rose in sudden death at Augusta
  • Final Round Struggles: Lost and regained lead multiple times
  • Clutch Finish: Birdie on playoff hole seals emotional win
  • Historic Stats: First Masters winner with four double bogeys
  • Emotional Reaction: McIlroy dropped to his knees in tears
  • Quote of the Day: “Never give up on your dreams”
  • Other Contenders: Rose, Reed, Scheffler, and DeChambeau finish behind
Winner Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, holds the trophy at the Masters golf tournament, Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Rory McIlroy Wins Masters, Earns Green Jacket and Golf History

Deep Look

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy completed the one major achievement that had eluded him for over a decade — winning the Masters — in a dramatic, emotional, and history-making finish on Sunday. His victory over Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff not only earned him the coveted green jacket, but also placed him among golf’s greatest by completing the career Grand Slam.

With this win, McIlroy becomes just the sixth player in history to capture all four of golf’s major championships, joining legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen.

“My dreams have been made today,” McIlroy said. “Never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams.”


An Emotional Journey to Glory

The final round at Augusta National was anything but smooth for McIlroy. He started with a two-shot lead that vanished in two holes, then built a four-shot advantage — only to lose it again with a shocking mistake on the 13th hole, when he dunked a wedge into the water.

Even with a chance to win in regulation, he missed a 5-foot putt for par on the 18th, forcing a playoff.

Yet in the most crucial moment of his career, McIlroy responded with brilliance — a perfect wedge to 3 feet in the playoff, setting up the birdie that sealed the win after Rose missed his birdie try from 15 feet.

“I didn’t make it easy today,” McIlroy said. “It was one of the toughest days I’ve ever had on the golf course.”


Playoff Breakdown and Stunning Stats

McIlroy and Rose finished tied at 11-under 277, ahead of Patrick Reed (-9) and Scottie Scheffler (-8). The playoff began on Augusta’s 18th hole, where McIlroy fired a booming drive, followed by the decisive wedge that rolled perfectly toward the cup.

Notably, McIlroy is now the first Masters champion ever to card four double bogeys in the same tournament — two in the first round, two in the final round — proving that grit can outweigh perfection.


A Roller Coaster Sunday

The final round was a roller coaster of emotions and lead changes:

  • McIlroy double-bogeyed the opening hole, giving early control to Bryson DeChambeau.
  • He recovered with two birdies and an eagle to regain a slim lead.
  • On the 13th, a wedge shot missed by 20 yards found Rae’s Creek, resulting in another double bogey.
  • On the 15th, a miraculous 7-iron escape shot set up a birdie to tie for the lead.
  • On the 17th, an 8-iron over the bunker to 2 feet gave him back the lead.
  • On 18, he missed a 5-foot par that would have won it outright.

In the playoff, however, McIlroy was flawless.


Rose’s Brave Effort Falls Just Short

Justin Rose, seeking his own Masters breakthrough after losing in a 2017 playoff to Sergio Garcia, shot a remarkable 66 on Sunday, capped with a clutch 20-foot birdie on the final hole to force overtime.

“It’s the kind of putt you dream about as a kid,” Rose said. “Unfortunately, playoffs end quickly — you either hit the shot, or it’s over.”

Despite the heartbreak, Rose joins Ben Hogan as the only players to lose two playoffs at Augusta National.


The Bigger Picture: McIlroy’s Grand Slam Club Induction

With this Masters win, McIlroy adds to his:

  • 2011 U.S. Open
  • 2012 and 2014 PGA Championships
  • 2014 Open Championship

Now 35, the Northern Irishman had been chasing the Masters title for 11 years since his infamous final-round collapse in 2011 when he held a four-shot lead but shot an 80. Sunday’s win finally puts that ghost to rest.


Notable Finishes and What’s Next


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