Rory McIlroy wins thrilling Masters, completes career grand slam at long last

Rory McIlroy has gotten the final major monkey off his back. The Northern Irishman won the 89th Masters on Sunday, completing the career grand slam and winning his fifth major championship.

While McIlroy entered Sunday’s final round with a two-stroke lead, his win didn’t come easily. He needed a playoff in order to get his first green jacket, shooting 3-over in the final eight holes before the playoff. Needing only to shoot par on the 18th hole to win the Masters, McIlroy’s second shot landed in the bunker. He was able to get within range for a putt that would’ve won him the Masters on the 18th hole, but his shot for par merely missed. 

As McIlroy struggled, Justin Rose surged up the leaderboard. After entering the day tied for sixth and seven strokes behind McIlroy, Rose birdied on six of his last eight holes, forcing the first playoff since 2017. 

McIlroy only needed one hole in the playoff, though, to get his first green jacket. Playing again on the 18th hole, McIlroy’s second shot landed just a few feet away from the hole. After Rose’s putt for birdie just missed, McIlroy was able to get the win by sinking his birdie putt.

This is a developing story.