AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam with a thrilling victory at the 89th Masters, winning in a playoff against Justin Rose on April 13, 2025. This achievement marks McIlroy's fifth major championship, placing him among the elite group of golfers who have won all four major titles.
The final round was nothing short of dramatic, with McIlroy starting the day with a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau. However, a double-bogey on the first hole quickly turned the tide as DeChambeau took the lead at 11 under. But McIlroy wasn't about to let the pressure get to him. He bounced back with birdies on the third and fourth holes, regaining the lead and eventually extending it to four shots by the ninth hole.
Despite a few hiccups, including a double-bogey on the par-5 13th hole, McIlroy's resilience shone through. He managed to birdie the 10th hole, putting him four strokes ahead of both Rose and Ludvig Aberg, who had also been making a strong push throughout the day.
Aberg, the young Swedish golfer who made headlines last year by finishing second in his Masters debut, started the final round with high hopes. He birdied the par-5 15th to move within one stroke of the leaders but faltered with a bogey on the 17th and a triple-bogey on the 18th, ultimately finishing with a score of 6-under 210.
As the final holes unfolded, Justin Rose, who had been part of the chasing pack, surged back into contention. He carded a remarkable 6-under 66, including a birdie at the 18th hole that tied him with McIlroy at 11 under, forcing a sudden-death playoff.
The playoff began at the 18th hole, where McIlroy's approach shot was a stark contrast to his earlier struggles. He hit a beautiful shot that rolled to about three feet from the hole, while Rose's attempt skidded about eight feet away. McIlroy calmly sank his birdie putt, securing the green jacket and his place in golfing history.
“It’s a dream come true. I’ve worked so hard for this,” McIlroy said after the win. “To finally complete the Grand Slam is something I will cherish forever.”
McIlroy’s triumph is particularly significant as he becomes only the sixth golfer to win all four major championships, joining legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. His journey has been marked by near misses and heartbreaks, but this victory at Augusta National finally allows him to rewrite his narrative.
As for Justin Rose, the 44-year-old veteran, he was left to ponder what could have been. His performance was commendable, but it fell just short of history. Had he won, he would have become the oldest first-time Masters champion, an accolade that now remains elusive.
In the final standings, McIlroy finished at -11 (277), while Rose also ended at -11 (277). Patrick Reed claimed third place at -9 (279), and Scottie Scheffler rounded out the top four at -8 (280). Both Bryson DeChambeau and Sungjae Im finished tied for fifth at -7 (281).
Looking ahead, McIlroy’s win at the Masters sets a promising tone for the rest of the season. As he prepares for future tournaments, the confidence gained from this victory could propel him to even greater heights.
Meanwhile, Ludvig Aberg, despite his late-round struggles, demonstrated his potential as a future star in golf. At just 25 years old, Aberg has already made a name for himself with impressive performances, including a T12 finish at the 2024 U.S. Open and a key role in the European team’s victory at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Aberg's journey continues to be one to watch. With his recent win at the Genesis Invitational and a solid performance at the Masters, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he clinches a major title of his own.
As the dust settles after an exhilarating Masters, golf fans are left with plenty to talk about. Rory McIlroy has finally completed his quest for the Grand Slam, while rising stars like Ludvig Aberg are ready to challenge the established order in the world of golf.
With the next major on the horizon, the excitement is palpable, and the stage is set for more unforgettable moments in the world of golf.
