Rory McIlroy got his flowers Sunday and, from one fellow career Grand Slam winner to another, Tiger Woods showed love.
“Welcome to the club,” Woods wrote on X to the Northern Irishman, who finally won his first Masters on Sunday after narrowly avoiding a collapse to win in a one-hole playoff against Justin Rose.
“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!”
Woods, the youngest golfer to achieve the career Grand Slam by accomplishing the feat at 24, is one of two golfers to have won each major at least three times, along with Jack Nicklaus.
The 15-time major winner had previously been slated to compete again at the Masters this year before a torn Achilles slammed shut any dreams of that happening.
He presumably watched on television while McIlroy won in dramatic fashion after not being able to attend the event.
McIlroy closed at 11-under before tallying a birdie on the playoff hole and collapsing to his knees in celebration.
The elated McIlroy was then embraced by his wife, Erica Stoll, and his daughter Poppy as he was showered with applause by onlookers.
Rose, who also finished at 11-under par but lost when he shot for par on the playoff hole, also showed love to McIlroy after his win.
“I just said, ‘Listen, this is a historic moment in golf, isn’t it, someone who achieves the career Grand Slam,’” Rose said. “I just said it was pretty cool to be able to share that moment with him. Obviously, I wanted to be the bad guy today, but still, it’s a momentous occasion for the game of golf.”
Rose nearly played spoiler after McIlroy missed a short putt on 18 before the playoff.
A tearful McIlroy and Rose embraced in the emotional scene.
