Rory McIlroy got a nod from a golf legend after completing his career grand slam with a Masters win on Sunday.
Tiger Woods, who completed his career grand slam in 2000, congratulated McIlroy after his win at Augusta National.
“Welcome to the club [McIlroy],” Woods wrote on social media. “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 a part of history. Proud of you!”
It was far from the easiest win of McIlroy’s career. He went into the final round with a comfortable lead after a Round 3 that saw him card four birdies and a pair of eagles, but he struggled on Sunday.
He shot a double bogey on the first hole and proceeded to card another double bogey and three bogeys over the course of the round. The most consequential bogey came on the 18th hole when he set up a par putt but missed on the left side, leading to a playoff with Justin Rose.
McIlroy ultimately sealed the win with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
“This is my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” McIlroy said after the win. “I’m just absolutely honored and thrilled, and so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion … A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.”
McIlroy won major titles at the 2011 U.S. Open, 2012 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship and 2014 PGA Championship. He has long been considered one of the greatest golfers of his generation, but he was still searching for his first Masters win to claim the Grand Slam.
Now, he has his career Grand Slam and joins the likes of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Woods.