Rory McIlroy has finally claimed the coveted green jacket at Augusta, defeating Justin Rose in a dramatic sudden-death playoff at the Masters.
The Northern Irishman knocked in a steely birdie on the first playoff hole to secure his first championship at Augusta.
This historic victory completes McIlroy's career Grand Slam after an 11-year major drought and comes 14 years after his infamous collapse on the final day of the 2011 Masters.
Along with the iconic green jacket, McIlroy receives the Masters trophy, a gold medal, and a lifetime exemption to compete in the tournament.
Rory McIlroy has finally claimed the coveted green jacket at Augusta, defeating Justin Rose in a dramatic sudden-death playoff at the Masters
REUTERS
The 35-year-old was visibly emotional after his triumph at the notoriously exclusive Augusta National Golf Club.
The victory also grants McIlroy a five-year exemption to play in The Open Championship, the US Open and the PGA Championship.
He receives membership of the PGA Tour for five years with guaranteed starts and full player status.
Perhaps most prestigiously, Masters champions become honorary lifetime members of Augusta National.
This gives McIlroy "access to the most exclusive golf club in the world," according to Sky Sports.
Despite these privileges, he still won't be permitted to use his mobile phone on the course. Such are the strict traditions at Augusta National, even for its newest champion.
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy calls out Tiger Woods and three other golf legends after securing Masters glory
The emotional significance of this win cannot be overstated for McIlroy, with the achievement coming after his last major in 2014.
With this win, McIlroy has now claimed five major championships in total, including two PGA Championships.
Most significantly, he becomes only the sixth player in history to achieve a career Grand Slam.
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This places him in the rarefied company of some of golf's greatest legends.
McIlroy now joins Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in golf's most exclusive club.
Sir Nick Faldo, speaking to Sky, waxed lyrical by saying: "We have seen the most amazing piece of history ever. We are honoured to have been here to see it.
Justin Rose pushed Rory McIlroy all the way at the Masters on SundayREUTERS"When Tiger Woods won here in 2019 I said that scene would never be topped but I was wrong. This tops it.
"For a man to do that after what he went through for 11 years - Rory is a legend now. He is 35 years old and a legend. How about that?!
"It is a remarkable achievement."
