Niamh Shackleton
It's safe to say that Rory Mcllroy will be celebrating his most recent victory at the US Masters tournament for a long, long time.
Yesterday (April 13), Mcllroy proved victorious at Augusta National after a tense play-off against Justin Rose.
McIlroy threatened to squander a five-shot lead with eight holes to play before holding his nerve to birdie the first extra hole after an extraordinary final day.
This year's Masters marked Mcllory's 17th time at tournament — and his patience over the years has paid off.
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He described winning as a 'dream come true'. The golfing champ added: "I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember.
"Watching Tiger [Woods] here in 1997 do what he did, winning his first green jacket, I think that inspired so many of my generation to want to emulate what he did."
But it's not just winning the Masters after a years-long wait that was a big moment for Mcllory but, in light of his recent success, he's become the sixth golfer in history to complete the modern golf grand slam, joining sports legends Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
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Discussing the emotional moment further, Mcllroy said: "It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.
"The last 10 years coming here with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulder and trying to achieve it, I wonder what we’re going to talk about going into next year.
"I’m absolutely honoured, thrilled and proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."
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Mcllroy also admitted that it's 'hard to stay patient' but you have to a an 'eternal optimist in this game'.
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"I have been saying it until I am blue in the face but I truly believe I am a better player now than 10 year ago," he added at a press conference after his momentous win, Sky News reports.
"It is so hard to stay patient, keep coming back and not being able to get it done. There were points on the back nine where I thought, 'Have I let this slip again?' but I responded and am really proud of myself.
"It has been an emotional week so I am thrilled to be last man standing."
Mcllroy has since been showered with congratulatory messages, including from Tiger Woods (who recently debuted his new romance with Vanessa Trump).
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“Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory,” Woods posted on social media.
“Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special. Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re a part of history. Proud of you!”