14
Apr
Apr
GOLF: RORY MCILROY WINS MASTERS IN PLAYOFF THRILLER
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CapitalTimesNews / 1 week
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- 2 min read
Rory McIlroy ended his decade-long drought in major championships with a thrilling win at the Masters, defeating Justin Rose in a playoff. McIlroy hit a gap wedge from 126 yards to 4 feet on the first hole of the playoff, and after Rose missed his 15-foot birdie putt, McIlroy holed out for birdie to claim the victory. McIlroy’s win marked his fourth major title and made him the sixth player to complete golf’s career Grand Slam. “It’s just as much Harry’s as it is mine,” McIlroy said, referring to his caddie and longtime friend Harry Diamond, who has been by his side since they met on a putting green in Holywood, Northern Ireland, when they were 7 years old. Rose had pushed McIlroy to the limit, shooting a 6-under 66 in the final round to force a playoff. “I wanted to be the bad guy today,” Rose said. “I think to lose in a playoff for the second time kind of punctuates both of them and makes you realize just how close you’ve been.” Scottie Scheffler finished fourth, just three shots out of the playoff. “It was easily a week in which I could have gotten frustrated with either how I was playing or how I was swinging or stuff going on on the course,” Scheffler said. “I was just proud of the way we hung in there and put up a good fight.” Tiger Woods, who completed the Grand Slam 25 years ago, congratulated McIlroy on his win, saying, “Welcome to the club. Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special.” McIlroy’s win also puts pressure on other golfers, including Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson, to join the exclusive club. McIlroy’s parents, Gerry and Rosie, were not present at the tournament but were reminded of the sacrifices they made to help him achieve his goal. McIlroy teared up in a televised interview with CBS, reflecting on his parents’ support. McIlroy’s win earned him $4.2 million from the $21 million purse.