Reactions pour in following Rory McIlroy’s US Masters Win

Rory McIlroy has won the US Masters tournament and completed a career Grand Slam in golf, becoming the first Irish player and the sixth male golfer to do so.

He was making his 11th attempt at completing the Grand Slam, and faced off Justin Rose in a play off deciding the Masters Champion, following a tie on 11 at the end of regulation on Sunday.

The win makes McIlroy the first player in a quarter of a century to complete the career Grand Slam, matching the feats of Gene Sarazen (1935), Ben Hogan (1953), Gary Player (1965), Jack Nicklaus (1966) and Tiger Woods (2000).

Reactions and congratulations, from Irish political leaders and entertainment personalities, have started to pour in, with President Michael D Higgins describing the win as a “truly outstanding achievement.”

Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on winning @TheMasters and completing the career Grand Slam. A truly outstanding achievement

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 13, 2025

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that McIlroy’s fit was “a finish for the ages at Augusta to win The Masters and complete a richly-deserved career Grand Slam. Epic achievement by one of golf’s greatest talents.”

The Green Jacket is yours Rory McIlroy!

A finish for the ages at Augusta to win The Masters and complete a richly-deserved career Grand Slam.

Epic achievement by one of golf’s greatest talents.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 13, 2025

Simon Harris called the victory “incredible”, saying the victory was “a proud day for him, his family and for Ireland.”

Taking onto X, Fergus Finlay wrote: “That Masters may never be remembered for the quality of the golf. But it will never be forgotten for the drama and the emotional pull. Rory McIlroy did it the hard way, under the most intense pressure imaginable. Perhaps now the greatest Irish sportsperson ever.”

“That was a night that will live long in the memory,” commented Brian O’Driscoll on Instagram stories. “Incredible drama. Amazing show of resilience to finally achieve your goal.”

Writing on his Instagram story this morning, The Blizzard’s Niall Breslin (Bressie) joked that he had fallen “asleep like a bollix last night,” but spoke of witnessing McIlroy’s victory by saying: “what a way to wake up.”

Meanwhile, Boyzlife’s Keith Duffy wrote that he was “bursting with excitement and joy for Rory McIlroy.”

Radio and TV personality Dermot Whelan said  this morning that he was “still battered emotionally” following McIlroy’s win.