Tiger Woods describes Rory McIlroy‘s victory at the 2025 Masters as “special” as the 15-time majors champion welcomes the Northern Irishman into a very elite club of just six members.
Regarded as one of the finest golfers of the modern era, McIlroy spent over 100 weeks (not combined) as the world number one and claimed victories at the PGA Championship (2012, 2014), US Open (2011) and The Open (2014).
The only thing missing? The Masters at Augusta. That was until Sunday, April 13 when he beat Justin Rose in a play-off, scoring a birdie on the first hole to beat the Englishman to the prize and reach a landmark career moment.
The 35-year-old now stands alongside Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen as just one of six men to have recorded a Grand Slam in the sport by winning all four majors, and Tiger welcomes his new peer.
“Welcome to the club [McIlroy],” Woods posted to X.com, formerly known as Twitter. “Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special.
“Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re a part of history. Proud of you!”
McIlroy reacts to Masters win
McIlroy came into the final day trying to chase down Bryson DeChambeau for the lead, something he managed to accomplish before it started to go wrong for the man from County Down.
Rose began to reel him in and shot six birdies on the last eight holes, whilst McIlroy went 1-over-73 as the playoff was forced. However, the athlete showed what he is made of to respond with victory.
“You have to be the eternal optimist in this game,” McIlroy said after the victory. “”I have been saying it until I am blue in the face but I truly believe I am a better player now than 10 year ago.
“It is so hard to stay patient, keep coming back and not being able to get it done. There were points on the back nine where I thought, ‘Have I let this slip again?'”
“But I responded and am really proud of myself. It has been an emotional week so I am thrilled to be last man standing.”
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