By Newspot Nigeria Sports Desk
With a final score of 277 (-11), Rory McIlroy etched his name into golf history on Sunday, clinching the 2025 Masters Tournament in a dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose. But beyond the fairways and greens of Augusta National, McIlroy’s win carried a deeper resonance—coming just days after President Donald Trump publicly snubbed him when naming his favorites to win the tournament.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, praised Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Justin Rose as the players he wanted to see win. Notably absent was McIlroy, despite his elite form and the historic significance of a potential career Grand Slam. The omission raised eyebrows, especially given McIlroy’s prior criticism of Trump-affiliated LIV Golf events and his refusal to participate in Trump’s branded tournaments.
Rather than waver, McIlroy responded like a champion.
After a composed even-par 72 in the opening round, the Northern Irishman surged into contention with back-to-back bogey-free rounds of 66, moving just two strokes behind Rose heading into Sunday’s final round. Despite a shaky start that included a double bogey on the first hole, McIlroy showcased nerves of steel, finishing strong with clutch birdies on holes 15 and 17 to tie Rose at 11-under-par.
The playoff was settled on Augusta’s famed 18th hole. McIlroy delivered a near-flawless approach, setting up a four-foot birdie putt which he calmly converted. Rose, who had led for most of the tournament, missed his own birdie attempt, handing the title to McIlroy and making the Northern Irishman the first European ever to complete the career Grand Slam.
This win ends an 11-year major drought for McIlroy and places him in the company of legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus—the only other golfers to have won all four majors.
With emotions running high, McIlroy embraced his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy, celebrating not only a personal milestone but a symbolic victory. The message was clear: even without presidential favor, greatness speaks for itself.
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