McIlroy edged out South African-born Justin Rose in a playoff, following an absolutely brilliant approach shot under immense pressure.

The year’s first major was pushed to a playoff after both McIlroy and Rose finished on 11-under-par.

McIlroy closed his final round with a one-over-par 73, while Rose, by contrast, fired an impressive six-under-par 66 to throw himself into contention for a second major title.

Rory McIlroy. Photo: Masters

McIlroy’s quest for a fifth major got off to a rocky start on Sunday, with a double bogey on the par-four first hole. Later in the round, he carded another double bogey on the par-five 13th.

In the playoff, McIlroy’s approach left him with a straightforward two-foot putt to seal his first major in 11 years – and finally claim the iconic green jacket. Rose, for his part, hit a solid approach shot as well, but it lacked any backspin, and his ensuing putt narrowly missed to the right, handing the Northern Irishman a simple putt with little to no pressure for the win.

McIlroy described the victory as a lifelong dream fulfilled, but it was certainly tough going, and he didn’t make it any easier for himself, especially after his double-bogey on the opening hole.

Rory McIlroy gave everything. #themasters pic.twitter.com/Iv38QeVTbm

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 13, 2025

“I’d like to start this press conference with a question myself – what are we all going to talk about next year?” McIlroy joked.

“It’s a dream come true. I’ve dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember. I mentioned it during the prize ceremony, but watching Tiger here in 1997, doing what he did and winning his first green jacket – that inspired so many from my generation to want to follow in his footsteps.

“There were times in my career where I honestly didn’t know if I’d ever have this beautiful garment over my shoulders. I certainly didn’t make it easy on myself today.

“I was nervous. It was one of the toughest days I’ve ever had on the golf course. In a strange way, I feel like that double bogey on the first hole actually settled my nerves. It’s funny, walking to the second tee, the first thing that popped into my head was Jon Rahm making double there a few years ago and still going on to win.

“At least my mindset was in the right place, thinking positively. But it was just a complete roller coaster of a day.

“It was incredibly tricky out there – it honestly felt more like a US Open than the Masters at times, with how firm and fast the greens got. I’m really proud of how I bounced back after the doubles on one and 13.

“I don’t know if any Masters winner has ever had four double bogeys during the tournament, but maybe I’m the first. The emotions that poured out of me on that final green were at least 11 years – if not 14 – of pent-up feelings since 2011.

Rory McIlroy. Photo: Masters

“There was a bit of irony this morning, too. When I got to my locker, there was a note waiting for me from Ángel Cabrera, wishing me luck. Ángel was the player I was paired with on the final day back in 2011. That was a really nice touch, and a little ironic. It’s been 14 long years, but thankfully, I got the job done.”

McIlroy now joins an elite group of golfers who have completed the Career Grand Slam – Gary Player of South Africa, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.

As for Rose, this marked the third time he has finished as runner-up at the Masters, and the fifth time overall that he has been a runner-up at a major. He previously settled for second at Augusta in 2015 and 2017, as well as at The Open in 2018 at Carnoustie and again in 2024 at Royal Troon.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg