(Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After years of close calls and heartbreak Rory McIlroy finally won the green jacket and completed the career grand slam by winning the Masters.
It wasn’t exactly easy for McIlroy, though he made it more difficult on himself than it needed to be on Sunday, April 13. Holding a four shot lead while on the Par 5 No. 13, the Northern Irishman had a comfortable 86-yard wedge shot into the green – which he promptly dunked in the water, about 25 yards off his intended target.
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It’s the kind of blunder that has seemingly rattled McIlroy and ruined his chances to winning in past years, but this time around he was up to the test. After a closing bogey on No. 18 locked him in a tie with Justin Rose at 11-under, the two Ryder Cup teammates headed back to the final tee box for one extra hole to decide the winner.
McIlroy hit a 125-yard wedge shot to just under four feet and set up the tournament-winning birdie putt after watching Rose’s birdie attempt slide by on the right side. After the win and emotional McIlroy fought back tears as he addressed his family and his team while delivering a message to daughter Poppy.
“Last, but certainly not least over to my left. My family…” McIlroy started before breaking on the words “my team.”
After collecting himself, McIlroy added, “They’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through. They know the burden that I’ve carried to be able to come here every year and try and try and try again.”
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“The one thing that I would say to my daughter Poppy, who’s sitting over there: never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back, keep working hard, and if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. I love you,” he added.
McIlroy became the sixth golfer in history to complete the career grand slam, joining the likes of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
Related: Caitlin Clark’s Masters Outfit Turns Heads on Saturday
