Not since Ben Crenshaw broke down in tears moments after securing victory in the 1995 Masters has there been scenes as the sports world witnessed when Rory McIlroy also collasped in tears in finally capturing a maiden Masters title.

After the up-and-downs in a remarable final round McIlroy survived a play-off against Justin Rose thanks to a birdie at the first extra hole to secure not only an Augusta National members green jacket along with a fifth major championship but also to secure his place in golfing immortality and become just the sixth member of golf’s elite Grand Slam club.

Indeed, what unfolded over the final round according to legendary coach Butch Harmon could not have been scripted by a Hollywood director with McIlroy two in front at the start of the final round but then two behind after just two holes before finding his way, at one point to four in front but then to horribly bogey the last.

Then after birdieing the first extra hole, the par-4 18th, there was the remarkable scene of McIlroy collasping on the green, overcome by emotion and then also in tears as he was greeting by his wife, daughter, fellow Irishman and Masters contestant Shane Lowry while also breaking down in tears in singling out his parents when fitted with the Masters green jacket in the Butler Cabin.

Soak it in. #themasters pic.twitter.com/xKVyCGuAh7

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 13, 2025

“It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” McIlroy said before being presented with the green jacket by defending champion Scottie Scheffler.

“The last 10 years coming here with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulder and trying to achieve it, I wonder what we’re going to talk about going into next year.

“I’m absolutely honoured, thrilled and proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.”

McIlroy sank to his knees in sheer relief after holing the winning putt and added: “It was 14 years in the making, from having a four-shot lead (after three rounds) in 2011.

“There was a lot of pent up emotion that came out on the 18th green and a moment like that makes all the years and close calls worth it.”

McIlroy had to fight back tears as he was asked about the sacrifices his parents Gerry and Rosie made during the early part of his career.

Rory McIlroy looking great in a Masters green jacket.  Image Augusta National

“I want to say hello to my mum and dad, they’re back in Northern Ireland and I can’t wait to celebrate this next week with them,” McIlroy added.

McIlroy’s fourth birdie of the day on the 10th had given him a five-shot lead, but he inexplicably pitched into Rae’s Creek on the 13th to run up a second double bogey of the day and also dropped a shot on the 14th to open the door to the chasing pack.

“When I hit the wedge into the creek on 13 I felt like I did a really good job of bouncing back from that and the double at the first as well,” McIlroy said.

“I was really nervous going out and almost the double on the first calmed me down and got me into it. The way I responded to setbacks all week, I couldn’t be more proud of myself.

“I had two yards less in the play-off than regulation and a flatter lie as well. It was a good number, just needed a committed swing and made one at the right time.”