McIlroy Grand Slam Triumph Sparks Reactions from Woods, Nicklaus and the Golf World
For Rory McIlroy, the journey to this point has been long, winding, and at times, emotionally exhausting. But on a sun-drenched Sunday at Augusta National, the 35-year-old from Northern Ireland finally completed the missing piece of golf’s greatest puzzle. After more than a decade of chasing the elusive Green Jacket, McIlroy won the Masters in dramatic fashion, becoming only the sixth man in history to achieve the career Grand Slam.
The reaction from across the golf world was immediate—and heartfelt. Among the first to welcome him into this exclusive fraternity was none other than Tiger Woods.
“Welcome to the club,” wrote Woods on X (formerly Twitter). “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.”
It’s a sentiment that echoed throughout the golf community. McIlroy’s win didn’t just secure him a Green Jacket; it secured his legacy.
From Augusta Agony to Augusta Glory
Few players have known the unique pressure McIlroy has faced at the Masters. Ever since winning the US PGA Championship in 2014—his fourth major title—McIlroy has carried the weight of expectations and the burden of near-misses in Georgia. Ten years of questions, of close calls, of annual speculation about whether this would finally be the year.
In 2025, it was.
But it wasn’t easy. Far from it. McIlroy shot a one-over 73 on the final day to finish tied on 11 under with England’s Justin Rose. He even missed a putt on the 18th that could have sealed victory in regulation. Yet in the sudden-death playoff, McIlroy regrouped, reset, and delivered the kind of clutch golf that has defined his career.
“I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” McIlroy admitted after the win. “Coming here year after year with the burden of the Grand Slam on my shoulders—it’s been very difficult. But I am so proud to finally be able to call myself a Masters champion.”
Legendary Praise: Nicklaus and Player Add Their Voice
The significance of McIlroy’s achievement wasn’t lost on the legends of the game. Jack Nicklaus, who still holds the record for the most major titles (18), spoke to CBS with a visible gleam in his eye.
“I’m so happy for him,” said the 85-year-old icon. “It will take the world off his shoulders and now you’re going to see a lot more of really good golf out of Rory McIlroy.”
South Africa’s Gary Player, who completed his own Grand Slam in 1965, didn’t hold back either. Now 89 and the oldest living member of the now six-man club, Player told BBC Radio 5 Live:
“He has the best swing by a mile. I’ve always said he’s the most talented player in the world today. And he deserves everything he gets.”
An Emotional McIlroy Reflects on the Journey
McIlroy has never shied away from sharing the emotional toll that Augusta has taken on him. For years, it seemed as if the Masters was the major he couldn’t tame. The course, the pressure, the history—it all weighed heavily on him.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said, clearly still soaking in the magnitude of the moment. “I’ve dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember. Watching Tiger Woods win in 1997—his first Green Jacket—that inspired so many of us. To have my own moment now is unbelievable.”
He also shared a moment of levity with reporters: “What are we all going to talk about next year?” he laughed, referencing the annual Grand Slam storyline that had become synonymous with his appearances at Augusta.
Rose Gracious in Defeat, Full of Praise for McIlroy
Justin Rose, who shot a brilliant 66 on the final day to force the playoff, was a gracious runner-up. The Englishman, himself seeking a maiden Masters victory, had nothing but admiration for McIlroy after their duel.
“I just said, ‘This is a historic moment in golf,'” Rose revealed. “Someone who achieves the career Grand Slam—that’s special. I told him it was pretty cool to share that moment with him. Of course, I wanted to be the bad guy today, but I’m also happy for Rory.”
Diamond in the Rough: Caddie Harry Finally Gets His Moment
McIlroy also took time to highlight the man by his side through it all—his caddie and childhood friend Harry Diamond. Often criticised for being too reserved during high-pressure moments, Diamond has nonetheless remained a steadying presence for McIlroy since taking over the bag in 2017.
“Harry deserves this as much as me,” McIlroy said. “He’s been like a big brother to me since we were kids. He’s taken a lot of [nonsense] from people who don’t understand what we do. This win is just as much his as it is mine.”
He revealed a key moment in their final round: “We were heading back to the 18th tee for the playoff, and he said, ‘Well pal, we would’ve taken this on Monday morning.’ That helped reset everything for me.”
The LIV Shadow: DeChambeau and the Silent Round
McIlroy’s final round playing partner, Bryson DeChambeau, had a noticeably tense relationship with the new Masters champion throughout the day. DeChambeau, who now plays in LIV Golf, said McIlroy didn’t speak to him at all during the round.
“He wouldn’t talk to me,” DeChambeau said post-round. “Did I try to start a conversation? Yes. But he didn’t want to talk.”
The American started strong, but faded to a 75 and a tie for fifth. Despite the frosty relationship, even DeChambeau acknowledged the significance of McIlroy’s win. “I wanted to cry for him when he hit into the creek on 13,” he admitted.
Reaction from the Golfing World
Shane Lowry, McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate and close friend, was emotional despite a poor showing of his own on Sunday.
“I’ve had a really bad day, but I’m delighted for him
