Rory McIlroy’s dramatic win on the Masters on Sunday put an finish to the questions which have hounded him each time he set foot on Augusta Nationwide over the previous 10 years as he lastly turned the web page on years of frustration.
McIlroy’s roller-coaster spherical ended with him beating Justin Rose in a one-hole playoff 11 years after his first try to attain the uncommon feat of capturing all 4 of golf’s majors.
“I’d like to begin this press convention with a query myself,” McIlroy stated as he entered the interview room, donning his new Inexperienced Jacket.
“What are all of us going to speak about subsequent yr?” he stated with fun.
“I’ve dreamt about that second for so long as I can keep in mind.”
That dream threatened to show right into a nightmare when the in a single day chief’s two-stroke benefit evaporated with a double bogey on the primary.
He settled into his spherical to regain the lead, however catastrophe struck once more when he in some way discovered the water on 13, and a back-nine collapse harking back to his heartbreaking remaining spherical at Augusta in 2011 appeared potential.
However historical past wouldn’t repeat itself as his good strategy shot within the playoff arrange a brief birdie putt for the championship, McIlroy falling to his knees on the inexperienced as the truth of the second started to sink in.
“There have been factors in my profession the place I didn’t know if I might have this good garment over my shoulders,” stated McIlroy after claiming his fifth main title.
“I definitely didn’t make it straightforward at the moment. I used to be nervous. It was one of many hardest days I’ve ever had on the golf course.”
He stated the double bogey on the primary really helped settle his nerves after a morning the place he was so anxious he had problem consuming.
“It was a heavy weight to hold, and fortunately, now I don’t have to hold it, and it frees me up,” he stated.
The Masters triumph is McIlroy’s first main victory since 2014. He stated his perception in himself by no means wavered because the wait went on.
“You must be the everlasting optimist on this recreation,” he added.
“I’ve been saying it till I’m blue within the face. I really imagine I’m a greater participant now than I used to be 10 years in the past.
“It’s so arduous to remain affected person. It’s so arduous to maintain coming again yearly and making an attempt your finest and never with the ability to get it executed.
“There was factors on the again 9 at the moment, I assumed, you understand, have I let this slip once more? However I responded with some clutch pictures after I wanted to, and I’m actually pleased with myself for that.”
McIlroy stated he was impressed by Tiger Woods’ first Masters win in 1997, and the 15-time main champion and fellow profession Grand Slam winner congratulated the Northern Irishman on Sunday.
“Welcome to the membership,” Woods posted on social media.
“Finishing the Grand Slam at Augusta is one thing particular. Your dedication throughout this spherical and this complete journey has proven by way of, and now you’re part of historical past. “Pleased with you!” stated Woods.