Rory McIlroy wins the 89th Masters and completes the career Grand Slam

Only five male players in history have won the 89th Masters, earning Rory McIlroy his first green jacket and completing the career Grand Slam.

©Harry How, Getty Images

At Augusta National, McIlroy started with a two-shot lead but had to overcome obstacles, including as a double bogey on the first hole, to stay in the game.

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McIlroy showed tenacity under duress on the famous 18th hole as he entered a sudden-death playoff after 72 holes, tied at 11-under with Justin Rose.

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McIlroy ended his 11-year search for the Grand Slam in the playoffs by making a birdie putt and delivering a flawless approach shot to win the Masters.

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With this victory, McIlroy joined golf greats including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player as the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam.

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McIlroy's 2025 triumph is evidence of his tenacity and development, as his route included near-misses at Augusta, most notably a meltdown in 2011.

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The victory, which was McIlroy's fifth major and first since 2014, demonstrated his tenacity and brilliance on the largest platform in golf.

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McIlroy's Masters victory cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time and made him the first European to complete the career Grand Slam.

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