At long last, Rory got his masterpiece.
The last time I was so excited watching the Masters was in 2004 when Phil Mickelson finally won his first major. I did not think at the time that anything would top it. I guess I was wrong. Yesterday's dramatic finish was at least as exciting (and probably more) than the 2004 Masters.
For those who want some background, there are four majors in the modern era of men's professional golf: The Masters, the US Open, the British Open and the PGA Championship. Rory McIlroy already won three of the four big events on the PGA Tour by 2014 when he was on the tour for merely a few years. Nobody expected that it would take him almost 11 years to win the Masters and complete the career slam (winning all four majors in one's career). He joins an elite list of five other players who have done this, and they are all legendary names (including Tiger Woods).
The win is special in at least two ways. First, it took him many more attempts to complete the career slam (11 attempts total at the Masters before he can do this) than anyone else. The other five players took at most three tries at the missing major to secure the career slam. His road was clearly much longer and tougher. Given the widespread influence of social media and immense scrutiny on players in today's age, the pressure is amplified much more than before. Second, the road to victory in the final round was far from straightforward. Whereas in the case of Tiger Woods' British Open victory in St. Andrews to secure his career slam during which he hit no bunkers throughout the tournament, Rory hit into everything (bunkers and water no less). He had a wedge in hand after a spectacular drive in the final regulation hole with the lead of one stroke only to hit into the bunker and bogeyed the hole to lead to the playoff.
The final piece of the drama is in the playoff against Justin Rose. Rory hit into essentially the same spot on the fairway. This time, he did everything right and made the birdie and finally got his well-deserved green jacket. Given all the close calls and heartaches at the majors in the past decade, I am certain everyone was happy that he finally got this win and complete the slam.
I am sure all golf fans are now eager to see if he can carry on this level of play and win the calendar grand slam this year, i.e. winning all four majors in the same calendar year. Then he will truly be in a company of his own!
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