Tiger Woods sends succinct five-word congratulations to Rory McIlroy upon claiming the Masters title.
Rory McIlroy's Masters Victory Propels Him Into Golf's Elite Group
A triumphant Rory McIlroy found himself stepping into golf's exclusive club of career Grand Slam winners in 2025, outlasting Justin Rose in a nail-biting playoff. As the first European player to conquer all four majors, this marked a watershed moment in his illustrious career.
Becoming the newest member of a prestigious club, McIlroy revealed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that he received warm messages of congratulations from many of the golfing greats. Tiger Woods, joining an elite cast of mere half a dozen Grand Slam winners, extended his welcome with a cool, "welcome to the club, kid."
"It's a special feeling to know that only a select few have accomplished what I have," McIlroy said. "Men like Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and – of course – the one and only Tiger Woods have paved the way in making golf what it is today."
A total of six giants of the sport have etched their names among the ranks of Grand Slam champions, leaving four legends still teeing off on the links, with McIlroy now a proud member of their gentlemanly foursome.
The vibrant world of golf is always buzzing with excitement, and McIlroy's monumental achievement struck a chord in the entire sporting community. Unconventional congratulations from an unexpected quarter even made their way to the Northern Irishman – an exuberant phone call from music superstar Sir Elton John, following an exhilarating final round that captivated the globe.
"I mean, I didn't even know Sir Elton John knew what golf was," McIlroy shared with a laugh. "What a legend, anyway! Can't wait to meet him."
Due to not having a traditional cellphone, MacIlroy expects a call from an unexpected number based in Windsor, and he's not going to fail to take the call!
Woods continues to proudly hold a unique place in the annals of golf history, as the only player to have pulled off a 'Tiger Slam', holding all four titles simultaneously. In an impressive feat at the tender age of 24, Woods clinched the Masters in 2001 after winning the three preceding majors in 2000.
Rory's Masters triumph came as a massive relief as it was his 17th time playing the tournament. Saddened by a crushing collapse during the final round in 2011, McIlroy was ecstatic to ultimately reclaim his major championship gloryeleven years later at the 2014 PGA Championship.
Since his remarkable victory, McIlroy has called for the amalgamation of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, emphasizing that the sport would thrive with all its best players joining forces. While the golfing world eagerly awaits, the ongoing talks have yet to yield any fruit.
"I strongly believe that uniting everyone will be the key to ensuring the prosperity of golf as a whole," McIlroy declared during a talk with CNBC. "With all the top-ranked players collaborating, the sport will undoubtedly flourish."
A LOOK AT MCILROY'S MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Masters: 2025
PGA Championship: 2014
U.S Open: 2011
The Open Championship: 2014
McIlroy's Masters win made up for a substantial period of agonizing disappointment, as it represented his 17th attempt at the legendary tournament.
Back in 2011, a budding McIlroy missed out on securing a convincing lead in the final round. It also marked the 11-year mark since his previous major championship victory – the 2014 PGA Championships.
The four living members of the exclusive career Grand Slam club share a deep-rooted bond, and McIlroy's accomplishments have only deepened these ties. United in their love for golf, McIlroy and the remaining members of this elite group continue to play on – season after season – eagerly chasing the next chapter in golfing history.
- Rory McIlroy, having joined the select few who have completed the career Grand Slam, received congratulations from fellow golfing greats, including Jack Nicklaus.
- Emulating Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy achieved the 'Tiger Slam' at the age of 24, when he won the Masters in 2025 after securing the three preceding majors in 2024.
- Despite a crushing collapse during the final round in 2011, Rory McIlroy's Masters triumph in 2025 made up for 17 years of disappointments in the tournament, representing his 17th attempt.
- The four living members of the career Grand Slam club, including McIlroy, share a deep-rooted bond, unified in their love for golf and perpetually chasing the next chapter in golfing history.
