Tiger Woods welcomed Rory McIlroy to the most exclusive club of Golf after his dramatic victory in the 89th Masters.
McIlroy defeated Justin Rose on the first hole of a play-off match at Augusta National to join Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen when they won all four most important titles.
“Welcome to the club @mcilroyrory,” Woods posted on social media.
‘The completion of the Grand Slam in Augusta is something special. Your determination during this round, and this whole journey has penetrated, and now you are part of history. Proud of you! ‘
McIlroy’s close friend Shane Lowry joked that McIlroy could step out happily after completing the career Grand Slam.
“That means everything to him,” Lowry told Golf Channel.
“That’s all he’s thinking about, all he’s talking about. He always told me that he would retire a happy man if he won the green jacket, so I told Erica (McIlroy’s wife) he could retire now.
“He had a long ten, 11 years, he had a lot of obstacles to come over and that’s a credit for him.”
Tommy Fleetwood, who finished 21st place after a closing 69, added: ‘I’ve said it a number of times, I think Rory is the best player of our generation. I don’t think he has to prove it for a while.
‘For him to finally get this one, a career in the career, is incredibly special. I think this time would always come, it’s just that Rory makes you feel like it’s not going at some point.
“Whatever he did today, Rory’s place in golf (history) was safe, but it just added another layer above.
“I do believe that he is the best of our generation and now he is one of the greatest of all time.”
