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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland has made history by capturing the elusive career Grand Slam in professional golf, becoming only the sixth player ever to achieve this remarkable milestone. This achievement marks the first time since Tiger Woods completed his own Grand Slam in 2000 that another golfer has joined this esteemed group, which includes all four major championships: the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship.
McIlroy’s victory comes on the heels of a strong start to the season, which included wins at both the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Players Championship. His journey culminated at Augusta National, where he faced off against England’s Justin Rose in a tense playoff that concluded dramatically after just one hole. By securing this win, McIlroy not only donned the iconic green jacket but also solidified his place among the legends of the game.
This remarkable achievement was realized during McIlroy’s eleventh attempt at completing the Grand Slam, showcasing his perseverance and commitment to excellence in golf.
Following his victory, McIlroy took to the media room, where he was greeted by a crowd of reporters eager to hear his thoughts. With a lighthearted tone, he opened the press conference by humorously acknowledging the ongoing conversation around his quest for the Grand Slam. “I’d like to start this press conference with a question myself. What are we all going to talk about next year?” he quipped.
Reflecting on the tension he faced throughout the final round, McIlroy admitted, “I was nervous. It was one of the toughest days I’ve ever had on the golf course. In a funny way, I feel like the double bogey at the first sort of settled my nerves,” adding that he found solace in remembering the double bogey made by Jon Rahm at the start of his own winning round at the Masters.
A Defining Moment for McIlroy
The road to this triumph was not without its challenges, particularly at Augusta. McIlroy has experienced his fair share of near-misses, the most heart-wrenching of which occurred in 2011 when he held a three-shot lead entering the final round. A disastrous shot led to a downfall that he has since reflected on with deep emotion.
When asked to place his Masters victory among his numerous accomplishments, McIlroy unhesitatingly declared it to be “the best day of my golfing life.” He expressed immense pride in his perseverance, stating, “I’m proud of never giving up. I’m proud of how I kept coming back and dusting myself off and not letting the disappointments really get to me.”
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www.forbes.com