Phil Mickelson shows true colours with message to Rory McIlroy after Masters win.
Rory McIlroy won the Masters and clinched his long-awaited career Grand Slam on Sunday evening at Augusta National Golf Club, and was quickly congratulated by LIV Golf rival, Phil Mickelson..
Phil Mickelson was quick to congratulate Rory McIlroy for clinching a coveted career Grand Slam at the Masters.
The 35-year-old’s long-awaited fifth major championship and first green jacket was clinched after an exhilarating play-off with Justin Rose, drawing congratulations from around the world – including one from LIV Golf rival Mickelson. Taking to social media, he wrote: “What an incredible Masters.
Congrats to Rory on his win and for completing the career grand slam. Amazing.” While McIlroy held a substantial lead during the final round of play, a T1 finish with Rose at 11-under-par required one last dance on the 18th in sudden death fashion.
Once in the playoff, Rose maintained tension, leaving himself a chance for birdie from just 15 feet away after taking his first shot, reports the Mirror US. McIlroy outdid himself, landing his approach from 125 yards closer than Rose’s ball, and watched as his shot stopped just three feet from the cup.
As Rose’s putt veered off course, McIlroy was a mere stroke from etching his name into the annals of history. And upon sinking it, he fell to his knees, overwhelmed with emotion.
Not only did McIlroy clinch the title at the pinnacle of the sport, but he also joined the pantheon of golf legends, becoming only the sixth player ever to achieve the career Grand Slam – alongside Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
The elusive green jacket was the last missing piece in McIlroy’s remarkable career, and he finally secured it in the iconic Butler Cabin. Reflecting during the ceremony, he said, “It feels unbelievable. This is my 17th appearance here, and I started to question if my time would ever come.
“For the past decade, I’ve carried the weight of the career Grand Slam, always chasing it. Now I’m wondering what everyone will talk about when next year’s Masters rolls around.
“I’m deeply honoured, overjoyed, and incredibly proud to now be a Masters champion. This journey has been 14 years in the making — ever since I blew a four-shot lead back in 2011, I’ve felt like I should’ve had it then.
There was so much emotion when I stood on that 18th green. Moments like this make all the years of near misses and heartbreaks completely worth it.”
This Masters win marked McIlroy’s first major in 11 years, completing his collection alongside his 2011 U.S. Open, two PGA Championships (2012 and 2014), and the 2014 Open Championship.
