In my 60 years of playing and observing golf, I have never witnessed such a rollercoaster of pure drama and emotion on the final day of a Major.
Only sport at the highest level can deliver this intoxicating combination.
On Sunday, you could almost forget the bravery Rory displayed to recover after the back nine at Augusta took two big chunks out of him on day one. His second round of 66 was pure grit to stay in the battle.
Round three confirmed what everybody has said for years: McIlroy is the best out there when he’s on.
It set him up for his day of reckoning.
Ruthless Augusta
It’s only now, after people witnessed the eruption of raw emotion he shared with the world upon earning the most sought-after garment in professional sport, that they will fully appreciate the inner demons Rory has battled for over a decade.
Furthermore, the sheer strength of character and desire it took to prevail on a course built to test every sinew of your being, mentally and physically, cannot be overstated.
The impeccable beauty and perfection of order at the Masters disguises the cunning and craftiness of the design that tempts and taunts the player on every hole.
Nowhere more than on that back nine.
The strategy of high risk–high reward epitomises the philosophy behind this masterpiece of MacKenzie and Jones.
Together, they took what they had learned from St. Andrews and incorporated that strategic mystique into Augusta National.
Somehow, the course rewards honest bravery but ruthlessly crucifies the arrogant aggression, like we witnessed from DeChambeau some years back, and the cowardice of the many who have come up ‘just short’.
Perfect script
It was a classic leaderboard on Sunday with all of the makings of a perfect script.
There were subplots everywhere.
PGA Tour versus LIV. The crowned prince of the next generation, Aberg, looking to usurp the regal English gentleman, Rose.
Also, competitors from seven countries featured in the top 10, many of them Major winners and the number one players in the world.
Then there was the score to be settled between the two leaders for Rory’s painful US Open defeat last year.
My friend asked before the final round how I thought he would do against DeChambeau, who looked the main threat.
I said I would always back McIlroy against the American in a Ryder Cup match as the Irish Major winners are born and bred on Match Play – ‘mano a mano’ as Seve would say, and this should stand to Rory.
Sunday drama
Sunday had so many twists and turns that I just don’t know how Rory managed to handle it all.
I am sure those of you who watched felt the anxiety, tension and pressure as one of the most enthralling and exciting days in Major history unfolded.
The agony of the double bogey at Amen Corner’s 13th hole and his 72nd hole bogey from 128 yards.
The guts he showed with his spectacular second shot on the 15th.
And finally, the ecstasy on the final hole will become folklore and remembered much like Tiger’s famous roar that was heard around the world and Jack’s kiss goodbye win at 46.
It was endless drama.
The only one that looked undaunted all day was Rose, who, as a past US Open Champion and at 44 years young, had the patience, perseverance and experience to hang in there and ‘see what happens’.
In the end, he nearly prised the green jacket off Rory. His great sportsmanship when he sincerely hugged and congratulated his opponent for beating him fair and square would have moved the founder of the event.
This is the essence of our great sport.
Portrush beckons
It was an emotional and proud day for all of Ireland and our family in particular, as my father was the first Irishman invited to play in the Masters by Bobby Jones 58 years ago.
He would have been so proud to see Rory coming off the last green, bursting with sheer joy.
It will also make for an unforgettable reception to the modern-day Grand Slam member when he shows up at Royal Portrush to try to win the Open Championship on a course where he shot 61 at the tender age of 16.
For sure, that’s next on the box to be ticked for Rory. Hope we get to see that happen.
Irish eyes are wet with tears on Sunday night. But they were also smiling on one of the greatest moments in our country’s sporting history.
Roddy Carr.
15th April 2025
Witness The 153rd Open
Will Rory’s homecoming end in more Major glory?
Can Shane Lowry repeat his historic feat from 2019?
Or will the champion, Xander Schauffele, keep hold of the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush?
Only time will tell.
But one thing is for sure:
You should be there to watch the action.
Further Reading
