Rory McIlroy began his post-Masters press conference with a lighthearted dig at reporters after capturing a Green Jacket for the very first time.
McIlroy, 35, finally triumphed in Augusta as he edged out Justin Rose in a playoff after blowing a four-stroke lead and missing a birdie putt on 18 that would have clinched the tournament.
And after completing his career Grand Slam, he had a query for the reporters covering his historic win.
‘I’d like to start this press conference with a question myself: what are we all gonna talk about next year?,’ he asked.
The comment drew a hearty laugh in the room as McIlroy chuckled as well.
The Northern Irishman went on to call the accomplishment a ‘dream come true’ as he joined Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus as the only Grand Slam winners in golf history.
Rory McIlroy was highly emotional after winning the 2025 Masters in dramatic fashion
McIlroy basked in his moment as Scottie Scheffler put his Green Jacket on him
‘I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember,’ McIlroy said. ‘I mentioned it out in the prize ceremony, but watching Tiger here in 1997 do what he did, and then winning his first green jacket, I think that inspired so many of my generation to want to emulate what he did.
‘You know, there were points in my career where I didn’t know if I would have this nice garment over my shoulders, but I didn’t make it easy today. I certainly didn’t make it easy,’ he continued.
‘I was nervous. It was one of the toughest days I’ve ever had on the golf course. In a funny way, I feel like the double bogey at the first sort of settled my nerves.’
McIlroy had a chance to win before the playoff with a short putt on 18, but sent fans into meltdown as he shot barely long and ultimately bogeyed the hole.
However, he dusted himself off and notched a birdie immediately after in the playoff, while Rose had to settle for par.
McIlroy was joined by his wife Erica and daughter Poppy at the Green Jacket ceremony
‘You know, there was points on the back nine today, I thought, you know, have I let this slip again?,’ he said.
‘But you know, again, I responded with some clutch shots when I needed to, and really proud of myself for that.’
McIlroy’s win was celebrated by his good friend and TGL co-founder Woods afterwards, as the five-time Green Jacket holder took to X to congratulate him.
‘Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory. Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special,’ Woods began on X.
‘Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re a part of history. Proud of you!’
Woods did not compete at Augusta this year due to a ruptured Achilles.
