Rory McIlroy had a long line of friends waiting to congratulate him on Sunday evening after finally winning the Masters and completing a career Grand Slam.
But one heartfelt moment that caugt the eye was McIlroy’s reunion with a mystery blonde shortly after he had celebrated with his wife, Erica, and their daughter Poppy.
McIlroy, 35, was overcome with emotion as he hugged the woman for about 12 seconds in front of the gaze of the television cameras and the magnitude of his achievement began to sink in.
The woman in question, who was also filmed standing next to Erica as McIlroy sank the winning putt in the playoff, was Kate Rose – the wife of the man McIlroy defeated in sudden death in Justin Rose.
The moment was a reflection upon how close McIlroy is with Rose, who has now twice lost a playoff to win the Masters.
They have been Ryder Cup teammates for many years and will almost certainly team up again for Europe later this year when the event is held at Bethpage, just outside New York.
Rory McIlroy shared an emotional hug with Kate Rose, Justin’s wife, after Masters glory
Golfer Rose pictured with Kate during a Ryder Cup gala held in France back in 2018
According to Kyle Porter of Normal Sport, Kate Rose told McIlroy: ‘I’m really, really happy for you.’
It echoed the classy message that her husband sent McIlroy on social media in the aftermath of one of the most dramatic days in golf’s storied history.
‘I gave it everything,’ Rose wrote. ‘Congratulations Rory McIlroy on winning the Masters and completing the Grand Slam.
‘Very cool sharing the green with you in that moment… thank you Team Rose as always for all the support during the week… We go again.’
McIlroy, meanwhile, revealed what he said to his old friend on the green after clinching victory.
‘I just congratulated him on a great week,’ McIlroy said. I said “so ironic how these things happen”.
‘We were invited to a dinner by a few members of the club on Tuesday night and we were the only two players at that table and we were the ones who end up being in the playoff.
‘It’s funny how these things work, he’s a great champion and displayed so much grace throughout his career.
McIlroy and Rose speak on the 18th green moments after the Northern Irishman’s victory
‘Selfishly I was happy it was another European in the playoff, we’re on a good run at the minute, Ryder Cup this year.
‘Justin is a great champion and I remember watching the playoff in 2017 when he went up against Sergio, that didn’t quite go his way either.
‘He’s had a phenomenal record around here, I feel for him as he’s been so close. He’s a good friend and hopefully he has a few more opportunities.’
