Tiger Woods has congratulated Rory McIlroy for achieving an important milestone in golf by winning the Masters.
Woods was among the first to reach out to McIlroy after his victory, inviting him into a select group of male golfers who have completed golf’s Grand Slam.
At 35 years old, McIlroy from Northern Ireland has become just the sixth man and the first European to earn the career Grand Slam, which consists of winning the Masters, Open Championship, US Open, and US PGA Championship.
Woods, who has 15 major titles to his name, was the last golfer to complete the Grand Slam in 2000, joining other greats like Jack Nicklaus (1966), Ben Hogan (1953), Gene Sarazen (1935), and South African Gary Player (1965).
“Welcome to the club,” Woods, a five-time Masters champion, posted on X.
“Completing the Grand Slam at Augusta is really special. Your determination during this round and throughout your journey has been amazing, and now you are part of history. I’m proud of you.”
After missing a putt that could have won him the tournament on the 18th hole of his final round on Sunday, McIlroy quickly recovered.
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He then defeated England’s Justin Rose in a sudden-death play-off.
This long-awaited victory at Augusta National happened nearly 11 years after he won his fourth major title at the 2014 US PGA.
Nicklaus, who is 85 and holds the record for 18 major wins and six Masters titles, expressed his joy for McIlroy on America’s CBS, saying, “I’m so happy for him.
“This will lift a weight off his shoulders, and we will see a lot more great golf from Rory McIlroy.”
Player, the 89-year-old oldest living member of the now six-man Grand Slam club, shared his thoughts on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’ve always believed he is the most talented player in the world today. He has the best swing by far.”
