Phil Mickelson was quick to congratulate Rory McIlroy for clinching a coveted career Grand Slam at the Masters.
The 35-year-old’s long-awaited fifth major championship and first green jacket was clinched after an exhilarating play-off with Justin Rose, drawing congratulations from around the world – including one from LIV Golf rival Mickelson. Taking to social media, he wrote: “What an incredible Masters.
“Congrats to Rory on his win and for completing the career grand slam. Amazing.” While McIlroy held a substantial lead during the final round of play, a T1 finish with Rose at 11-under-par required one last dance on the 18th in sudden death fashion.
Once in the playoff, Rose maintained tension, leaving himself a chance for birdie from just 15 feet away after taking his first shot, reports the Mirror US. McIlroy outdid himself, landing his approach from 125 yards closer than Rose’s ball, and watched as his shot stopped just three feet from the cup.
As Rose’s putt veered off course, McIlroy was a mere stroke from etching his name into the annals of history. And upon sinking it, he fell to his knees, overwhelmed with emotion.
Not only did McIlroy clinch the title at the pinnacle of the sport, but he also joined the pantheon of golf legends, becoming only the sixth player ever to achieve the career Grand Slam – alongside Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
The elusive green jacket was the final piece missing from his illustrious collection, and he finally claimed it in the storied Butler Cabin. During the ceremony, McIlroy said: “It feels incredible, this is my 17th time here, and I started to wonder would it ever be my time.
“I think the last 10 years coming here and the burden of the grand slam on my shoulders, trying to achieve that. I’m starting to wonder what we are all going to talk about going into next year’s Masters.
“I’m just absolutely honoured and thrilled and so proud to call myself a Masters champion…I think it was 14 years in the making, from going out with a four-shot lead in 2011, feeling like I could have got it done there.
“There was a lot of pent-up emotion on that 18th green. A moment like that makes all the years, and all the close calls worth it.”
The Masters came as McIlroy’s first major title in 11 years, adding to his US Open from 2011, his pair of PGA Championships from 2012 and 2014, and his Open Championship – also from 2014.
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