What Rory McIlroy Said About Tiger Woods After Winning the Masters

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Apr 13, 2025 8:23 PM ET

The 89th edition of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club lived up to every bit of the hype—and at the center of it all was Rory McIlroy, who endured a whirlwind of highs and lows throughout the four-day stretch.

But when it mattered most, McIlroy delivered. His 12-under-par performance was enough to outlast Justin Rose in a dramatic sudden-death playoff, following Rose’s remarkable Sunday comeback.

After sinking an emotional birdie to seal the win, McIlroy embraced his family and friends in celebration. Then came the moment he’d dreamed of for years—donning the iconic green jacket, surrounded by past Masters champions.

During his victory speech, McIlroy made sure to recognize the one golfer who inspired his journey from the very beginning—Tiger Woods.

"This is by far the greatest golf tournament in the world," McIlroy said. "Watching Tiger Woods do this when I was a kid was my inspiration… My dreams have been made today.”

“This is by far the greatest golf tournament in the world. Watching Tiger Woods do this when I was a kid was my inspiration… My dreams have been made today.” — Rory McIlroy pic.twitter.com/aLGknLLVfi
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 13, 2025

With the victory, Rory McIlroy becomes the first golfer to complete the career Grand Slam since Tiger Woods—one of the rarest and most prestigious accomplishments in the sport. To achieve it, a player must win all four major championships, a feat McIlroy has spent the last 11 years chasing, with the Masters being the elusive missing piece.

He now joins an exclusive club of just six golfers in history to complete the career Grand Slam: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods—and now, Rory McIlroy.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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