Masters LIVE: Rory McIlroy blanks Bryson DeChambeau as Tiger Woods shows true colours
Rory McIlroy has joined the golfing elite by winning the Masters, and therefore becoming the sixth player to ever land a career grand slam. The Northern Irishman did it the hard way though, beating Justin Rose via a playoff.
McIlroy almost threw away a five-shot lead on the back nine to allow Rose to creep back into contention before failing to sink a five feet par on the 18th and forcing a sudden death playoff, with both players finishing on 11 under par. The 35-year-old then held his nerve to produce an emphatic birdie after Rose parred to win the Masters on his 11th attempt.
Express Sport brings you all the latest news from Augusta…
Rory McIlroy produced plenty of drama on his way to victory on Sunday, losing a two-shot advantage after just the opening hole when settling for a double bogey.
His pressure of the rallying Justin Rose took its toll late on, but he bounced back in style when the tournament headed to an additional 19th hole.
Here’s how McIlroy’s scoreboard looked in the final round…
1. 6 (Double Bogey)
2. 5 (Par)
3. 3 (Birdie)
4. 2 (Birdie)
5. 4 (Par)
6. 3 (Par)
7. 4 (Par)
8. 5 (Par)
9. 3 (Birdie)
10. 3 (Birdie)
11.5 (Bogey)
12. 3 (Par)
13. 7 (Double bogey)
14. 5 (Bogey)
15. 4 (Birdie)
16. 3 (Par)
17. 3 (Birdie)
18. 5 (Bogey)
19. 3 (Birdie)
Tiger Woods quickly ‘welcomed’ Rory McIlroy to the club of career grand slam winners following his Masters success.
Despite being sidelined with injury, the American sent a touching message to his rival on X to congratulate him for his remarkable feat.
He wrote: “Welcome to the club Rory McIlroy. 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!”
Bryson DeChambeau has revealed that Rory McIlroy did not speak to him at all during the final round of the Masters.
The final pairing endured a rollercoaster of a final 18 holes together, but McIlroy opted not to speak with his rival throughout as he looked to remain focus on finally getting his hands on a green jacket.
Asked if he knew how McIlroy was feeling in the final round, DeChambeau replied: “No idea. Didn't talk to me once all day.
Asked if he attempted to initiate any conversations, he added: "He wouldn't talk to me."
Rory McIlroy has admitted that he was ‘nervous’ before the final round of the Masters on Sunday.
Speaking after becoming the sixth player to ever win a career grand slam, he explained: “Today was difficult. I was unbelievably nervous this morning. Look, it was a heavy weight to carry and thankfully now I don’t have to carry it. That frees me up and I know I’m coming back here every year, which is lovely.
“It’s a dream come true. I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember. There were points in my career where I didn’t know if I would have this nice garment over my shoulders.”
Daily Express
