April 15, 2025 3:23 pm

Best Masters since the 80’s. At least that is my opinion. As I am quite long in the golfing tooth, I remember the halcyon days of the 80’s when Faldo, Ballesteros, Langer, Lyle and Woosnam made the hallowed turf of the Augusta National Golf Club their own. Each of them won in spectacular ways; in play offs, with incredible bunker shots on 18, and many more unbelievably good shots.

Sunday night was another of those unmissable evenings. No chance of nodding off in front of the telly, Rory’s concerted efforts to gift his good friend Justin Rose the green jacket made sure of that.

A place in history

But it is completely understandable that Rory came so close to capitulating over the back 9. It wasn’t just the jacket at stake, it was a place in golfing immortality. The Grand Slam, victory in each of the 4 majors has now been achieved by 6 men. Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan were before my time, but Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the crème de la crème. Now Rory McIlroy can count himself in too. Incredible golfers like Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Ernie Els and even Arnold Palmer, never achieved the feat that the lad from Hollywood Golf Club Northern Ireland has done.

The raw emotion on that 18th green, as Rory sank to his knees and wept, was completely honest and real. A culmination of a life’s work and endeavor, accomplished in front of millions of adoring fans. And he is adored. He stood up for the PGA Tour that has stood by him in the face of LIV. The way he conducts himself as a role model is wonderful to see and appreciated greatly by the crowds. This tournament was in America and there was a popular American, Bryson De Chambeau, in contention. Yet the crowd chanted “Rory Rory”

The Rory effect

The Rory effect is now being felt throughout the golf industry. Enquiries and bookings for our free beginners group coaching are up 5 fold. The range has been rocking this week. So, a huge thank you to the new member of the Grand Slam Club from all of in the golf world. Now that the undeniable monkey is off his back, who’s to say he won’t do the grand slam of all 4 majors in this year? What a party that would make at Portrush in July.

Well played Rory.

Categorised in: Golf Events, Golf News