The Masters 2025: Rory McIlroy seals career grand slam after dramatic play-off as it happened
GuardianAPR 17
McIlroy Claims Masters in Playoff, Completes Career Grand Slam
Above: Rory McIlroy celebrates winning the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025, in Georgia. Image copyright: Harry How/Staff/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
McIlroy's victory is a triumph of perseverance and resilience, transforming years of Masters heartbreak into ultimate success. After 17 attempts at Augusta National, the career Grand Slam burden has finally been lifted through sheer determination and brilliant shot-making when it mattered most. The emotional scenes on the 18th green released a decade of pent-up pressure and validated McIlroy's place among golf's greatest champions.
Narrative B
The playoff loss marks another devastating near-miss at Augusta National for Justin Rose, who also finished runner-up in 2017. Despite playing a nearly flawless final round 66 and showing tremendous courage with the tournament-tying birdie putt on 18, Rose again experienced the cruel side of Masters history by joining Ben Hogan as the only player to lose multiple playoffs.