British royalty have hailed a new king of golf as tributes poured in from both sides of the Atlantic after Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy claimed a career slam with a stunning Masters triumph.
The 35-year-old became the first European man to win the four majors as he sank a birdie putt on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff against Englishman Justin Rose, a dramatic finish for McIlroy in his 11th attempt to win the tournament.
He previously won at the US Open (2011), PGA Championship (2012, 2014) and Open Championship (2014).
"Congratulations @McIlroyRory on your historic win at @TheMasters!" the X account for King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla posted on Monday.
McIlroy is the sixth man in history to complete the career grand slam, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
Sky Sports pundit and renowned coach Butch Harmon called the Augusta win "one of the greatest days in golf we will ever see."
"It had an ebb and flow that a Hollywood producer could not have come up with," said Harmon.
"He was like a gladiator in the way he came back. Did he quit? No. Did he hang his head? No. Did he feel sorry for himself? No. Now he has a Green Jacket.
"I've known Rory since he was 16, done a little work with him at times, and this is one of the most amazing victories I have ever seen."
The Belfast Telegraph captured the national mood with the rapturous headline, "Putting man on the moon? What Rory McIlroy has just achieved is statistically even more impressive."
The tributes were all the more meaningful after a long and winding road to golfing immortality, as McIlroy endured years of close calls, finishing in the top five four times at Augusta before his success.
The BBC chronicled his path from heartbreak to triumph, revisiting his disastrous 2011 outing, when he let a four-shot lead slip through his fingers on a haunting final day at Augusta.
"The boy from Holywood finally gets his Hollywood ending," read The Telegraph's headline.
Fellow grand slam legends salute McIlroy
McIlroy's elevation to golf's most exclusive club was greeted by its remaining living members.
"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rory McIlroy on his historic win at the Masters and completion of the career Grand Slam," Gary Player, the only other non-American grand slam winner, wrote on X.
"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."
Tiger Woods also commented on his friend's achievement.
"Welcome to the club," the 15-time major winner wrote.
"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!"
Northern Ireland looks forward to Open at Portrush
Now, Irish eyes are looking towards an Open championship that is going to be held at Northern Ireland's Royal Portrush course for just the third time.
Royal Portrush is located about an hour's drive from McIlroy's hometown of Holywood.
McIlroy's 61 at age 16 in the 2005 North of Ireland championship still stands as the old course record at Royal Portrush.
"He has given us one of Northern Ireland's biggest sporting achievements," Emma Little-Pengelly, the country's deputy first minister, posted on X.
"He will undoubtedly get a deserved hero's welcome when he comes home. The reception when he steps onto the first tee at Royal Portrush in July will be incredible. Hopefully he can give the home fans plenty to cheer as he bids to win a second Open Championship."
Former world snooker champion Dennis Taylor declared McIlroy Northern Ireland's "greatest ever sportsman".
That's no small assertion for a country that has produced soccer great George Best and snooker star Alex Higgins.
"Massive congratulations to Rory McIlroy on his incredible victory at The Masters — making history as the first ever from our island to win the prestigious Green Jacket!" Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said on X.
"This is a huge moment in sporting history, and one that has filled everyone back home with great pride."
Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin described the win as "epic".
"It was an incredible evening and we were all up late in the morning," Martin added on Monday.
Martin said the occasion reminded him of Ireland's 1990 World Cup penalty shootout win over Romania and George Hamilton's famous "the nation holds its breath" commentary.
"Well, we were holding our breath every five minutes for a good few hours yesterday," Martin said.
"Literally holding our breath at every putt and every tee shot. It was a marvelous national occasion and it's a moment in time that we will all remember."
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt called for McIlroy to be knighted.
"For a country the size of Northern Ireland, it is remarkable how many sports people have become icons in their fields. Think George Best, Mike Gibson (rugby), and Mary Peters (athletics), to name just three. Rory McIlroy has just trumped all of them and, with the Grand Slam monkey off his back, looks set for even more success," Nesbitt said.
"This universally popular figure deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow, and a knighthood is just that."
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