It took an extra hole, but Rory at last ends his Masters agony

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy fought back tears Sunday after fighting off more than a decade of Masters agony, finally grabbing his long-missing major when he holed a three-foot putt in a playoff that ended a day which wavered between disappointment and elation.

McIlroy had thrown away an opportunity to win this event 14 years ago with a terrible final round, an 80, that left him stunned and through the years a target for critics.

Although McIlroy had shrugged off the idea he was haunted by the failure that cost him what would be the missing piece of a career grand slam, he was more forthright after the victory.

So when reminded by CBS announcer Jim Nantz, during the traditional Butler Cabin ceremony, where the champion is presented the green jacket, of his frequently falling short, McIlroy conceded, “It was all worth it.” 

And always heartbreaking until the extra hole of the final round of this 89th Masters. McIlroy began a crazy, at times confusing, last round with a two-shot lead, lost it immediately with a double bogey on the first hole—he would end up with four doubles during the entire tournament, fell behind first, Bryson DeChambeau, and then later Justin Rose. 

But McIlroy showed the courage and skill that have made him perhaps the most popular golfer since the retirement of Tiger Woods, tied Rose with a birdie on the 72ndhole, and then beat him and the belief he couldn’t close the deal with that birdie on the first extra hole, the par-4 18th at Augusta National. 

“Look, it’s a dream come true,” said McIlroy. “I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember.”

“You know, there were points in my career where I didn’t know if I would have this nice garment (the green jacket) over my shoulders, but I didn’t make it easy today. I was nervous. It was one of the toughest days I’ve ever had on the golf course. In a funny way, I feel like the double bogey at the first sort of settled my nerves.”

McIlroy shot a one-over par 73, which left him with 277, 13-under par, the same as Justin Rose, who has experienced his own frustrations at Augusta, now finishing as runner-up a third time. Rose, the first-round leader with a 65, closed with a 68.

Third at 279 was 2017 Masters Champion Patrick Reed, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler ended up at 280.

DeChambeau shot 72 and ended up tied at 281 with Sungjae Im.

While McIlroy reveled in at last chasing the demons, Rose, who has a major of his own, 2013 US Open, was able to see the big picture. Not surprising for an Englishman of 44 years who has played everywhere in his quite impressive career.

“I just said, listen, this is a historic moment in golf,” said Rose. “Isn’t it? Someone who achieves the career grand slam. I just said it was pretty cool to be able to share that moment with him.  Obviously I wanted to be the bad guy today, but still, it’s a momentous occasion for the game of golf.”