Rory McIlroy won the 89th Masters Tournament at Augusta National on Sunday, defeating Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff. The Northern Irishman became only the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam, the first since Tiger Woods in 2000.
A seven-shot lead vanishes at Amen Corner
McIlroy began the final round with a double bogey on the first hole. He recovered with three birdies to build a commanding advantage. Two bogeys and a double-bogey at the par-5 13th, where his approach found Rae's Creek, erased his cushion entirely.
Rose matched him shot for shot. He birdied the 72nd hole with a long putt to post 6-under 66, the best round of the day. McIlroy then missed a short par putt on the 18th that would have won it outright.
One hole, one putt, history
Back on the 18th tee for the playoff, both players found the fairway. Rose's approach settled about 15 feet from the pin. McIlroy answered by placing his ball just three feet from the hole.
Rose's birdie attempt slipped past. McIlroy sank the short putt and collapsed to the ground. "The long journey is over, McIlroy has his masterpiece," broadcaster Jim Nantz said on the CBS call.
Eleven years, one missing piece
The victory ended an eleven-year major drought dating back to the 2014 PGA Championship. McIlroy had not won at Augusta in 17 attempts. He now holds all four modern major titles, a feat completed on his 11th attempt at the set.
Rose, who lost the 2017 Masters in a playoff to Sergio Garcia, now shares that fate twice. McIlroy took home $4.2 million and placed his name alongside Nicklaus, Woods, Player, Hogan and Sarazen. The long wait is over.