In a thrilling finale to the 2025 Masters Tournament, Rory McIlroy finally wore his green jacket, claiming the one that had slipped his grasp for more than a decade and securing his career Grand Slam in truly unforgettable style.

The conclusion at Augusta National provided all the drama and suspense that fans have grown to anticipate from the Masters. McIlroy, with a four-shot lead going into Sunday, watched that edge erode immediately after a double bogey on the first hole. It was a wobbly beginning that reminded of past Augusta collapses — most notably his notorious 2011 meltdown — but this time the tale would have a different conclusion.

Recovering composure with dramatic birdies on the 3rd and 4th, McIlroy remained in contention despite an erratic back nine. But two disastrous mistakes — a 11th hole bogey and a 13th hole double — gave the door to Justin Rose, who was powering ahead with an almost-perfect round of 66.

Entering the 72nd hole, the two were deadlocked at 11-under par, and the sudden-death playoff ensued.

On the first playoff hole, McIlroy hit a bold tee shot and followed with a precision wedge to four feet from the cup. Rose was consistent under duress, reaching the green but playing his birdie shot just wide of the hole. McIlroy went on to make his birdie putt, clinching victory and raising his arms in subdued triumph.

“It’s hard to put into words,” McIlroy said after the win, clearly emotional. “I’ve been chasing this one for a long time. To finally get it done here. it means everything.”

With the victory, McIlroy becomes only the sixth player in golf history to win all four majors, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods in a club reserved for the game’s immortals.

The victory is McIlroy’s fifth major championship and his first since the 2014 PGA Championship. For years, he was widely regarded as the most naturally talented player of his era, and the Masters had remained his El Dorado. Until this.

Off the course, McIlroy’s personal life enriched his victory. Following a very public rocky patch in 2024, he reconciled with wife Erica Stoll, and his family was present to share the emotional moment. In a poignant moment, McIlroy placed his daughter on the green, telling her, “Anything is possible.”

As the sun went down over Augusta National, the reverberations of cheers still echoed across the course. A champion had finally closed the circle. The specters of past disappointments were buried beneath the pines, and Rory McIlroy — the almost man no more — strolled off a Masters champion.