“A tradition unlike any other”, the Masters returned for its 89th edition this past weekend, exciting fans all across the school, and the world.
This year was particularly exciting for golf fans, as Rory McIlroy finally completed the career grand slam, finally winning the coveted Green Jacket with an unforgettable performance at Augusta. McIlroy now joins only five other men to ever complete the Grand Slam, winning all four major tournaments over the course of his career.
Before the tournament, expectations were high for McIlroy. After years of close calls and heartbreak it seemed like it was now or never for the man from Northern Ireland.
The victory did not come easily, however, as over a decade separated McIlroy’s last major win, and his victory this weekend.
The tournament itself was one of the best in recent memory, coming down to a playoff hole between the eventual champion Rory McIlroy, and Justin Rose. This was Rose’s second time losing the Masters in a playoff, the previous time coming against Sergio Garcia in 2017.
Rose jumped out to a quick lead in the tournament after a remarkable 65 (-7) on Thursday. However, the next two days would not go as well for the Englishman.
Rose found himself down by seven strokes entering Sunday, shooting an incredible 66 to tie McIlroy through 72 holes after Rory shot a 73.
Entering Sunday it was not Rose and McIlroy that was going to be the expected battle at the top, but instead most of the fans expected Bryson Dechambeau to be neck and neck with McIlroy. Entering the day two back of Rory, Dechambeau took a quick lead after just two holes, but things immediately began to fall apart from there.
Bryson had trouble with distance control on his irons all week, ultimately leading to his demise.
Last year, and two time champion Scottie Scheffeler had an interesting week, not living up to the expectations he undoubtedly had for himself. However, it was still a respectable showing for Scheffeler, as he placed fourth with a score of 8 under par.
The tournament, although undoubtedly exciting, certainly missed the presence of Tiger Woods, who is currently recovering from a torn achilles. Woods, the five time champion at Augusta, was hoping to make a comeback to the tournament, but was unable to. It is uncertain whether Tiger Woods will ever be able to return to Augusta National.
This year also kicked off the long retirement tour for longtime announcer Jim Nantz, who announced that he would be retiring from announcing the Masters in 2036, following the 100th edition of the tournament.
To put the significance of Rory McIlroy’s achievement into perspective, the only five other men to have ever completed the Grand Slam are Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
This puts McIlroy in elite company, surrounded by some of the greatest golfers to ever play the game.
After he sunk the final putt on the 73rd hole of the tournament, a release of emotions took place. McIlroy fell to the ground, elated with his win as he ascended to golf royalty.
Time will tell how many more Masters McIlroy will win by the time his career is over, but there is certainly a large weight lifted off the back of the future hall of fame golfer.
