‘Welcome to our club’: Golfers, sports stars and celebrities rush to heap praise on Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has been praised by stars from the sport and beyond after his Masters win.

Rory McIlroy’s peers heaped praise on the Northern Irishman as he ended his long wait for a Green Jacket, a fifth Major, and the career grand slam.

No one felt more relief than Rory McIlroy as the birdie putt dropped on the first playoff hole of the 2025 Masters and the long wait to complete the career Grand Slam was finally over.

But that relief and joy was felt across the globe as the great and good from the world of golf, sport, and beyond rushed to pay tribute to the now five-time Major champion.

Masters runner-up Justin Rose after his playoff defeat to McIlroy

“I said to him, ‘Listen, I was glad I was here on this green to witness you win the career Grand Slam.’ That’s such a cool, momentous moment in the game of golf. Yeah, that was it. He was obviously pretty overcome with emotion and probably not going to be able to take in much at the time. But it was a big day in golf.”

15-time Major Champion and fellow Grand Slam winner Tiger Woods on X

“Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory. Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special. Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re part of history. Proud of you.”

Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald on X

“You could just see the Augusta demons leaving Rory when that putt went in,” he wrote on X.

“What an unbelievable rollercoaster of emotions – pure sport at its best.

“But history has been made and Rory has joined golf’s most elite by completing the Grand Slam.

“The Green Jacket is finally his.”

Ryder Cup teammate and friend Shane Lowry at Augusta

“This means everything to him. It’s all he thinks about, all he talks about. Always said to me he’d retire a happy man if he won the Green Jacket. I told Erica he can retire now. He’s had a long ten, eleven years, a lot of hurdles and a lot of moments to get back up from. It’s a credit to him and a sign for the rest of us to cling to that no matter what happens, no matter how bad you feel, just got to keep working hard and your day will come.”

Ryder Cup teammate and friend Tommy Fleetwood at Augusta

“I’ve said it a bunch of times, I think Rory is the best player of our generation. I don’t think he’s had to prove that for a while but for him to have finally got this one and the career grand slam is unbelievably special. Everything he’s already done in hois career is very, very special. I think this time was always going to come – it’s just that Rory makes you feel like it’s not sometimes – and I’m so happy for him. Whatever he did today his place in golf is secure but this just adds another layer on top of that. Now he’s one of the greatest of all time.”

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18-time Major champion Jack Nicklaus on Golf Channel’s ‘Live from The Masters’

“I’m so happy for him. I’m delighted for him. It’ll take the world off his shoulders and now you’ll see a lot more really good golf from Rory McIlroy.”

Fellow Career Grand Slam winner Gary Player on X

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rory McIlroy on his historic win at the Masters and completion of the career Grand Slam.

“The drama of today capped off with his play-off victory was simply meant to be. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my admiration for Justin Rose, who embodies the true spirit of a gentleman in our game.

“This is one of the rarest and most difficult achievements in all of sport, something only now six golfers in history have ever accomplished. We are proud to add Rory to our exclusive club and no doubt he has set the standard for his era.

“To win all four major championships takes unwavering perseverance and the courage to overcome adversity time and time again in the face of immeasurable pressure few have ever experienced. Rory showed true grit today and also through the entire tournament.

“It was 11 years ago when Rory first started the final leg of his career Grand Slam journey. And throughout this time, he’s carried himself with class, led with principle, and played with passion.

“For him to finally don the Green Jacket in golf is a moment to be celebrated by fans around the world. Rory has made his mark on history, and all of us who love this game are incredibly proud.

“Well done, my friend. Welcome to our club.”

Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington on X

“What a relief, some drama. Well deserved and I’m sure all the sweeter for the years waiting.”

Former Open champion Paul Lawrie on X

“Beyond amazing. massive congrats.”

22-time major tennis champion Rafael Nadal on X

“Congratulations Rory McIlroy! You deserved to win the Masters!

Former England and Liverpool footballer Michael Owen on X

“The Grand Slam. Incredible Rory McIlroy. Sends shivers down your spine watching greatness. Sport at its finest.”

Three-time Masters champion Sir Nick Faldo on X

“I’ve never been put through the wringer of emotions like that in the commentary box,” wrote the Englishman. “So pleased for @rorymcilroy and proud to have known him all these years since he was a whippersnapper in the @faldoseries!”

Northern Ireland on X

From Holywood to history. @McIlroyRory, @TheMasters Champion. A moment of pride for all of Northern Ireland.

Actor Matthew McConaughey on X

@McIlroyRory wins the @TheMasters – what a massive internal and external battle he fought all day, and came out with the w. his post-win walk said it all. congrats to rory. wow.

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley on X

Aside from his brilliance as a golfer this was a human display of resilience and old-fashioned doggedness as much as anything else from Rory – the game needed this and boy has Rory so earned and deserved this. Congrats also to Justin on his brilliance today.

Actor Michael Chiklis on X

Congratulations @McIlroyRory !!! What a roller coaster ride! What resilience! @JustinRose99 you’re a class act and showed tremendous grace in defeat. Great to see all around gentlemen. What a wonderful thing to witness. @TheMasters

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PGA Tour winner Min Woo Lee

Huge Congrats to @McIlroyRory, truly deserving. A Grand Slam is just crazy Don’t stop believing

Irish Rugby on X

A Grand Slam is never easy but it’s always special. Congratulations @McIlroyRory – Champion.