Rory McIlroy became the sixth player in history to achieve the Grand Slam, following his win at the Masters. He received a message from Tiger Woods after his triumph
Rory McIlroy completed the elusive career grand slam with a Masters win last month(Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods had a straightforward yet powerful message for Rory McIlroy after he clinched his first Masters win and became the sixth person in history to complete the career grand slam in golf.
After an 11-year wait for another major victory, McIlroy triumphed in the one tournament that had eluded him, the Masters at Augusta National. Overwhelmed with joy, McIlroy shed tears after defeating Justin Rose and shared a touching moment with his four-year-old daughter Poppy – before receiving congratulations from Woods.
During a guest appearance on ‘The Tonight Show’ with Jimmy Fallon, McIlroy disclosed what Woods told him after sinking the winning putt. “He said, ‘Welcome to the club, kid,'” the Northern Irishman shared.
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Still in awe of his grand slam achievement, McIlroy added: “Six people ever have achieved the Grand Slam in golf. Only four of us are living. You know, Gary Player is 90 years old, Jack (Nicklaus) is 85 or 86, then there’s Tiger and myself. It’s really cool to be a part of.”
McIlroy has had an exceptional start to 2025, culminating in his first-ever Masters victory at Augusta National on April 13, setting him on track for his most successful season as a professional golfer. McIlroy ended an 11-year pursuit for another major win by defeating Justin Rose in an exciting playoff, fulfilling a lifelong dream and securing a coveted green jacket.
After his emotional victory at Augusta, McIlroy was touched by the wave of love and support he received in the following days. “It’s been an amazing few days, to be able to reflect on everything that happened and the magnitude of everything,” McIlroy told reporters at TPC Louisiana shortly after the Masters.
“I think the big thing for me is just how the whole journey sort of resonated with people and the people that have reached out to me. That’s been absolutely amazing. It’s not every day you get to fulfil one of your lifelong goals and dreams. I’ve just really tried to enjoy everything that comes along with that.
McIlroy shared the message he received from Tiger Woods after his Masters triumph(Image: 2025 NBCUniversal Media, LLC)
“I spoke to two presidents the day after, which was pretty cool. Just people reaching out from all walks of life, whether it be sports, entertainment, culture. Just all of it. People you would never even think would watch golf or would know what’s going on; that was very, very humbling.
“I think people can see themselves in the struggle at times, and everything that you sort of try to put into getting the best out of yourself in that journey. Watching someone finally get it done, something they’ve been trying to do for a decade plus, I think it resonated.”
McIlroy is on track to become the first European to complete a golfing Grand Slam, having already won the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the Open Championship. In addition to his aim for the Masters, he has also triumphed in two other events this year.
McIlroy started February with a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, setting the stage for further success when he claimed victory at the Players Championship at Sawgrass in March. He has been a strong contender in nearly every tournament this year, securing a tied-fifth finish at the Texas Children’s Houston Open before heading to the Masters and making the cut at both the Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational.
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Although his Boston Common Golf Club did not advance to the playoffs during the TGL’s inaugural season, McIlroy’s role as a co-founder of the tech-driven league, alongside Tiger Woods, has brought him success as a partner. The league is set to expand, with investors keen to launch new teams and build on the original six that competed this year.
McIlroy has earned an impressive $13,257,558 in prize money from golf competitions so far this year, and he’s ready to challenge Scottie Scheffler for the World No. 1 spot.
Regardless of the outcomes for the rest of the season, 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered as a standout year for McIlroy.
