Former President Donald Trump lauded Rory McIlroy’s dramatic victory at The Masters, praising the golfer’s resilience and fortitude during a captivating Sunday showdown.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump extended his congratulations to McIlroy, who achieved a historic feat by completing golf’s career Grand Slam—winning all four major professional championships. He remarked, “I have to congratulate Rory. That took tremendous courage. He was having a hard time, but it showed great guts and stamina and courage.”
Trump emphasized the difficulty of McIlroy’s achievement, stating that few comprehend the mental and physical demands involved in such competition. “People have no idea how tough that is,” he said. “He came back. It’s better for him that it happened that way because that showed real courage to have come back from what could’ve been a tragedy – it was amazing.”
The former president, an enthusiastic golfer himself, described The Masters as “maybe my favorite sporting show,” and expressed his enjoyment of watching the tournament annually.
He also commended Justin Rose, McIlroy’s opponent in a tense sudden-death playoff. Rose had delivered a remarkable birdie putt on Hole 18, putting pressure on McIlroy after he missed his own par attempt. Trump acknowledged Rose’s performance, noting that both players demonstrated exceptional skill under immense pressure.
The dramatic playoff required a return to the 18th tee box; a second hole would have been needed if further play was necessary at No. 10. McIlroy’s approach shot strategically positioned his ball within two feet of the hole, creating an opportunity for victory.
Here’s a breakdown of how the playoff unfolded:
- Rose executed a birdie attempt, but it sailed past the hole.
- McIlroy sunk his putt on 18, securing the win.
The victory marked the end of an eleven-year drought without a major championship for McIlroy and fulfilled his long-held ambition to complete the career Grand Slam.
Overcome with emotion, McIlroy dropped to his knees as the weight of that achievement settled in, visibly moved to tears. The crowd erupted in cheers as he celebrated alongside his family and team.
As Tiger Woods himself noted, welcoming him “to the club,” McIlroy’s victory will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark moment in golf history.
