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Rory McIlroy celebrates with patrons after emotional Masters win: 'Got to go get a Green Jacket'

Nick Profile Picby:Nick Geddes04/13/25

NickGeddesNews

Rory McIlroy
Grace Smith-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy was overcome with emotion after sinking his birdie putt in a playoff against Justin Rose to win the 2025 Masters Tournament on Sunday. 10 years — that’s how long it had been since McIlroy had claimed victory in a major and never at Augusta National Golf Club.

That is no more; McIlroy is a Masters champion. He’s completed golf‘s Grand Slam and now, he’s got a Green Jacket waiting for him inside Butler Cabin.

“I’ve got to go get a Green Jacket,” McIlroy said as he celebrated with patrons at Augusta National.

Rory McIlroy shares emotional moment with daughter, Poppy, after completing grand slam with Masters win

McIlroy could have iced it at the 18th, needing only a par to get into the clubhouse a stroke ahead of Rose. Alas.

McIlroy missed a par putt on the 18th, sending The Masters to a sudden-death playoff with Rose. But the Irishman would not back down. He quickly regathered himself and played the first playoff hole to near perfection. McIlroy closed out Rose for the win. He put his hands into his head multiple times, even collapsing to his knees on the green. He shared a moment with his wife, Erica, and daughter, Poppy.

McIlroy waited 10 years to feel the thrill of winning a major. But it had been 16 years of trying and 16 years failing to finish the job at Augusta National. McIlroy made his Masters debut in 2009, recording seven top 10 finishes through 2024. Though he flirted with disaster multiple times during his final round on Sunday, McIlroy wasn’t letting this one get away.

“I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” McIlroy said of his past disappointments in majors.

McIlroy’s time came on Sunday. He joins Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to complete the Grand Slam.

On3’s Thomas Goldkamp contributed to this report.