South Africa’s biggest ever sportsman, Gary Participant, has welcomed Northern Eire’s Rory McIlroy to golf’s Grand Slam membership.
McIlroy joined the now six-player ‘membership’ after successful the Masters at Augusta Nationwide on Sunday.
WATCH | Masters 2025: Gary Participant hits honorary starter tee shot
McIlroy, who entered the ultimate spherical with a two-shot lead, posted a 1-over par 73, earlier than he birdied the primary playoff gap to beat his Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose who made 10 birdies in a surprising closing spherical of 6-under par, 66.
McIlroy, 35, turned simply the sixth man – and first European – to clinch the ‘Slam’, becoming a member of People Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, and Participant.
McIlroy’s different main wins got here on the US Open (2011), PGA Championship (2012 and 2014) and Open Championship (2014).
After failing in 10 makes an attempt to finish the profession Grand Slam at Augusta Nationwide, McIlroy lastly did so in what was a spectacular closing day’s play.
‘Heartfelt congratulations’
Participant, who hit an honorary tee shot forward of the event, took to social media to put in writing:
‘I need to prolong my heartfelt congratulations to Rory McIlroy on his historic win on the Masters and completion of the profession Grand Slam. The drama of right now capped off along with his playoff victory was merely meant to be. I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out my admiration for Justin Rose, who embodies the true spirit of a gentleman in our recreation.
‘This is among the rarest and most troublesome achievements in all of sport, one thing solely now six golfers in historical past have ever completed. We’re proud so as to add Rory to our unique membership and little question he has set the usual for his period. To win all 4 main championships takes unwavering perseverance and the braveness to beat adversity time and time once more within the face of immeasurable stress few have ever skilled. Rory confirmed true grit right now and in addition by means of all the event.
‘It was 11 years in the past when Rory first began the ultimate leg of his profession Grand Slam journey. And all through this time, he’s carried himself with class, led with precept, and performed with ardour. For him to lastly don the Inexperienced Jacket in golf is a second to be celebrated by followers world wide.
‘Rory has made his mark on historical past, and all of us who love this recreation are extremely proud.
‘Properly executed, my pal. Welcome to our membership.’
Gary Participant received 9 majors on the ‘common tour’, together with three Masters titles in 1961, 1974 and 1978.
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