Augusta: In professional golf, making four-foot putts is generally expected, and players often leave the hole with a sense of ease. 

However, this is not the case for Rory McIlroy, especially when the putt is for his first Masters title on the 18th hole at Augusta National Golf Club.

After enduring fourteen years filled with challenges and disappointments, the 35-year-old experienced an overwhelming surge of emotions, culminating in tears as he triumphed over Justin Rose in the first playoff hole.

The very course that had brought him to his knees on multiple occasions once again played a pivotal role during the most triumphant moment of his career. McIlroy collapsed onto the revered grass, his head in disbelief, releasing a primal scream and visibly exhaling in relief as the burdens he had carried for so long were lifted, fittingly adorned in a size 38 Green Jacket.

Hailing from Holywood, Northern Ireland, McIlroy ended an 11-year drought in Major championships and marked a 14-year wait at Augusta National since his infamous collapse during the final nine holes of the 2011 Masters. This victory placed him among the elite in golf history, making him only the sixth professional to achieve a career Grand Slam.

The conclusion of the 89th tournament could not have been more appropriate, encapsulating all the elements one anticipates from a Masters Sunday. The day's fluctuations would have tested the resolve of the thousands in attendance.

There were remarkable moments, such as McIlroy's impressive high draw over the tall trees on the seventh hole, a stunning 206-yard hook with a 7-iron that rolled to six feet for eagle (resulting in a birdie) on the 15th, and his second shot on the 18th during the playoff. Yet, there were also shots he would prefer to forget, including his tee shot on the first hole and the third shot on the 13th that fell into Rae’s Creek. Additionally, a stroke of luck was evident when his second shot on the 11th hole defied expectations and remained dry.

“It feels like a dream realized. I have envisioned this moment for as long as I can remember,” stated McIlroy, who began his round with a double bogey, added another on the 13th hole, and concluded with a score of one-over-par 73.

“There were times in my career when I questioned whether I would ever wear this prestigious garment, but I certainly didn’t make it easy for myself today. I felt nervous. It was one of the most challenging days I have ever experienced on the golf course.

“In a peculiar way, the double bogey on the first hole helped to calm my nerves. However, it was a complete roller coaster of a day. The conditions were quite difficult… at times, it felt more like a US Open than a Masters due to the firmness and speed of the greens.”

McIlroy reflected on the past 11 years at Major tournaments, describing them as challenging, and acknowledged the weight he has felt at the Masters over the last 14 years.

“It’s not solely about winning my next major; it’s about achieving the career Grand Slam and joining the select group of five players who have accomplished it. I’ve watched many of my peers don green jackets along the way,” he elaborated.

“One must maintain an optimistic outlook in this sport. I’ve been saying this repeatedly, but I genuinely believe I am a better player now than I was a decade ago.

“Remaining patient is incredibly difficult. It has been a challenge, and I have endeavored to approach this tournament with a positive mindset each time I’ve participated. It was a heavy burden to bear, and thankfully, now that I no longer have to carry it, I feel liberated. I know I will return here every year, which is wonderful.”

It seemed unjust that Rose’s remarkable final-day performance—featuring 10 birdies in a round of 66—would ultimately fall short. This marked his second runner-up finish in the last two Majors, having previously lost to Xander Schauffele at the Open Championship at Royal Troon last July.

Seven shots behind McIlroy after the 10th hole, Rose birdied every hole of Augusta’s renowned and challenging Amen Corner, coming tantalizingly close to securing his second victory.”

Read Also: Dhoni Relies on Bowler's Confidence, Uses DRS to Dismiss Pooran in Defining Moment