LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 06: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his second shot on the 13th hole during day one of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Portstewart Golf Club on July 6, 2017 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. (Image: Getty)
The Masters has long eluded Rory McIlroy. Since winning the Open Championship in 2014, achieving victory at three of the four majors, McIlroy had been searching for a green jacket.
Now he finally has one of his own.
In what is considered one of the best Masters tournaments in history, McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a play-off to win the Masters. Both golfers sat at 11 under going into the playoff, following a bogey on 18 from McIlroy and a birdie from Rose on a 20-foot putt to force a play-off.
McIlroy watched a lead that at one point was as large as five strokes, wilt away as Rose inched closer to him.
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An approach shot from McIlroy during the play-off that landed a couple of feet from the hole sealed the deal.
In addition to completing the grand slam, McIlroy ended his 11-year major drought with his win at Augusta.
McIlroy was emotional following his victory, collapsing to his knees after his final putt went in.
“Never give up on your dreams,” McIlroy said to his daughter, Poppy, when giving a speech following his win. “Keep coming back and keep working hard. When you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”
The tournament was hardly smooth sailing for McIlroy. After the first day, he shot a 72, tied for 27th in the standings. After shooting six under on day two, he had put himself in 3rd place, but he still had to overtake both Rose and Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy finished day three two strokes ahead of DeChambeau and held the top position throughout most of the fourth round to win his Masters.
McIlroy embraced his family after the win and now gets to head home as one of six men to achieve the grand slam.
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