The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland nearly lost his chance at making his career defining moment as he scored a bogey on the 18th hole leading to the one-on-one against Rose.
Teeing off with Bryson DeChambeau for the fourth round, Mcllroy unfortunately finished his 1st hole with a double bogey.
Both Mcllroy and Rose were tied at the -11 by the end of the four rounds, with Rose impressively having a final round -6 on the par 72 Augusta National.
Yet ultimately, Mcllroy was able to prevail as the victor when he scored a birdie in the first round of the play-off on the 18th hole.
He told BBC Sport NI: “It has a been a long time coming”. As the greatest moment of his golfing career unfolded, he dropped to the ground on his hands and knee bursting out in tears of joy to the backdrop of the crowd roaring with cheers and applause.
His illustrious golfing career had seen him win the U.S. Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and the Open in 2014
His illustrious golfing career had seen him win the U.S. Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and the Open in 2014; before having to wait 11 years to win another Major.
He is the 6th individual and the first European to become a Grand Slam champion. Following the golfing legends Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
The 2025 Masters Tournament Winner told Sky Sports: “I’d say it was 14 years in the making, from going out with the four-shot lead in 2011- feeling like I could have got it done there”.
A reference to when he threw his four-shot lead in the final round of the 2011 Masters Tournament by scoring an 8-over-par, ultimately leading to him placing joint 15th with Charl Schwartzel winning.
For his triumph the Northern Irish golfer will receive a prize fund of £3.2 million and the signature Green Jacket from last year’s winner Scottie Scheffler.
the Northern Irish golfer will receive a prize fund of £3.2 million and the signature Green Jacket
Several golfers have shared their congratulations for Rory, such as fellow Grand Slam winner Tiger Woods saying on X, “Welcome to the club”.
In the wake of this monumental victory, it is safe to say Mcllroy’s confidence in his golfing abilities are restored.
With the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and the Open (at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland) still to come this year, could Mcllroy take another Major title?