Rory McIlroy has admitted that the green jacket he won at the Masters felt like a burden, as he finally completed the career grand slam with a dramatic play-off victory over Justin Rose at Augusta National.
The Northern Irishman, who had threatened to squander a five-shot lead with eight holes to play, birdied the first extra hole to secure his first Masters title. Speaking after the win, McIlroy said: “It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.”
McIlroy, who had been carrying the weight of the grand slam for a decade, added: “The last 10 years coming here with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulders and trying to achieve it, I wonder what we’re going to talk about going into next year. I’m absolutely honoured, thrilled and proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.”
The 35-year-old fought back tears as he reflected on the sacrifices made by his parents, Gerry and Rosie, saying: “I want to say hello to my mum and dad, they’re back in Northern Ireland and I can’t wait to celebrate this next week with them.”
McIlroy’s victory was not without its challenges. After building a five-shot lead, he pitched into Rae’s Creek on the 13th for a double bogey and dropped another shot on the 14th, allowing Rose back into the contest. However, McIlroy praised his resilience: “The way I responded to setbacks all week, I couldn’t be more proud of myself.”
