What a Sunday. The last time I felt every single emotion that deeply during a round of golf was in 2019. That was Tiger’s comeback. This was Rory’s moment. And in a different—but equally magical way, it might have even hit harder.
The Grand Slam is Complete.
Rory McIlroy, finally, at last, breaks through at Augusta National. For a player with the weight of the career Grand Slam riding on every swing, it was poetic, chaotic, and ultimately beautiful. He didn’t just win—he endured. And that’s what the Masters is all about.
Let’s be real—starting your round with a double bogey when chasing a legacy? That’s nightmare fuel. But Rory bounced back. Again and again. His round wasn’t clinical—it was human. It was gutsy. It was emotional. And that’s what made it legendary. That second shot on 15 after a disaster on 13? One of the best of his career. The dart to two feet in the playoff? Ice cold.
Some people will say it wasn’t a “dominant” Sunday performance. But that’s missing the point. This wasn’t dominance—it was heart. And that makes it one of the greatest championship performances I’ve ever seen.
Justin Rose – Redemption Arc in Real Time
Remember when I said he might fade like he’s done before? I was wrong—and I’m happy about it. Rose looked calm, confident, and composed. His Sunday round was everything you’d want from a veteran chasing glory. Vintage stuff.
The Rory vs. Bryson Showdown
This was supposed to be a heavyweight fight. But when Rory bounced back from his opening double, you could almost feel the mental shift. Bryson, for all his power, started chasing a bit. And Augusta doesn’t reward the chase—it punishes it. Still, credit to Bryson for putting himself in the conversation all weekend.
Scottie Being Scottie
Another top 5. And this one felt like he was fighting just to make the cut. It’s terrifying how high his floor is. Even when he’s not “on,” he’s right there.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot more I want to dig into—how my predictions stacked up, who surprised, who faded—but that can wait. Because right now is about celebrating Rory. He finally has his green jacket. And if I had to bet, now that the weight is lifted, this will be the first of a couple more he slips on.