Rory McIlroy’s quest for a career Grand Slam at The Masters culminated in dramatic fashion, but not before sparking debate over broadcasting commentary during a critical moment.
McIlroy entered Sunday’s final round needing only to sink a par putt on the 18th green to secure victory without resorting to a playoff. However, the putt rolled past, forcing a sudden-death showdown with Justin Rose, who had previously birdied that same green and finished at 11-under.
Despite the subsequent triumph – McIlroy ultimately captured his elusive Masters title by birdieing the 18th hole in the playoff, completing the career Grand Slam—former PGA Tour professional Steve Elkington expressed strong disapproval of CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz’s reaction to the missed putt.
“That could be the greatest collapse in golf history & f—ing CBS says, ‘we have a playoff,’” Elkington posted on X.
Elkington felt the broadcasters should have been more pointed in their assessment of McIlroy’s performance at that juncture, particularly given his recent struggles to secure major victories—a run stretching back over eleven years, compounded by a putting lapse during the 2024 U.S. Open. He also questioned McIlroy’s approach shot on the 18th, deeming it an exceptionally straightforward opportunity for a professional golfer.
“That was a wedge into the right bunker on 18… A wedge,” Elkington stated.
While Elkington’s critique drew attention, many viewers applauded Nantz and CBS for allowing the tension of the moment to speak for itself, opting against immediate commentary as McIlroy navigated his challenging final round.
Following McIlroy’s playoff birdie, which triggered an outpouring of emotion from the golfer, Nantz offered a succinct and poignant observation: “Rory has his masterpiece.” The broadcast then transitioned into a period of nearly seven minutes without spoken words, allowing the scene to unfold naturally as McIlroy celebrated with family and team.
With this victory, McIlroy joined an exclusive group in golf history—Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods—as one of only six golfers to have achieved the career Grand Slam.
“It does hurt,” Justin Rose acknowledged regarding the results of recent major tournaments.
Elkington, a 62-year-old Australian with a successful career himself, was ranked as high as third globally and secured 10 PGA Tour victories, including the 1995 PGA Championship. His best result at Augusta National came in 1993 when he finished tied for third place.
The achievement marks a significant moment in McIlroy’s storied career and solidifies his legacy among golf’s elite.
