McIlroy’s Historic Morning
At 7am on April 14, while staying at a rental house in Augusta, Rory McIlroy woke up to find a Green Jacket draped over a chair. “You think: ‘Yeah, that did happen yesterday,’” he reflected. This victory had made him the sixth player to win all four of golf’s major championships.
A Memorable Experience
The specifics of my Augusta accommodations are insignificant to others, but that morning was unforgettable. I had once thought nothing could surpass Tiger Woods’s 2019 Masters victory in terms of reaction. My phone was flooded with messages from friends and family, many of whom are not golf fans, and media outlets worldwide sought my insights on the events of Masters Sunday. Indeed, that was a notable day.
First Encounters with the Masters
The first major I reported on was McIlroy’s debut at the 2007 Open Championship, and my initial visit to Augusta was in 2011, which was marked by losing my luggage and staying in a condemned hotel. McIlroy had lost what seemed an insurmountable lead that year, and that moment became part of his tumultuous history.
Rooting for McIlroy
Inserting myself into a story meant for others often feels awkward, yet covering McIlroy closely for nearly two decades has been exhilarating and has made it impossible not to cheer for him. Writing “Rory McIlroy, Masters champion” was a genuinely moving experience.
Pressure and Expectations
Despite covering numerous majors, I felt no predetermined sentiment as I prepared to report on the 89th Masters edition. The fourth day was remarkable, demanding only to write what I witnessed. Initially, I feared another disappointment for McIlroy, as the anticipated confrontation with Bryson DeChambeau unfolded.
McIlroy’s Struggles and Triumphs
On Masters Sunday, McIlroy faced difficulties early on, including a double-bogey at the first hole, with DeChambeau taking the lead. However, there was a palpable sense of collective hope among fans and media that McIlroy was due for victory. He managed to secure a lead but experienced a tense playoff after some unfortunate plays that nearly derailed his chances.
Emotional Victory
By the time McIlroy reached the 10th green, it seemed he had the Masters in hand. In the ensuing playoff, caddie Harry Diamond offered words of encouragement. McIlroy’s jubilant reaction—overwhelmed with tears and emotion—captured the moment’s significance. His journey to achieve this fifth major title, after years of setbacks, rendered this victory particularly meaningful. While he may win more titles in the future, none might rival this one.
