Justin Rose reveals what he told Rory McIlroy after dramatic Masters play-off (2025)

Justin Rose told Rory McIlroy that it was ‘pretty cool’ to share his Masters-winning moment with him at Augusta, despite the painful play-off defeat.

It was an incredible end to a brilliant tournament in Georgia, with great drama from the start of the opening round as McIlroy quickly surrendered his overnight lead thanks to a double-bogey on the first.

However, he fought hard as others wilted and had an opportunity to win the Masters in regulation on the 18th, but couldn’t take it, meaning a sudden death play-off with Rose was required after both finished 11-under.

It took just one additional hole as McIlroy held his nerve to make birdie and win the Masters for the first time, becoming just the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam.

Only Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazan were members of that incredible club before McIlroy joined them on Sunday.

Despite an agonising defeat, Rose had some classy words for the champion, telling CBS: ‘I just said to him this is a historic moment in golf. It’s pretty cool to share that moment with him.

‘I wanted to be the bad guy today but it’s a momentous occasion for the game of golf.’

It is the third time Rose has finished second at the Masters as the 44-year-old missed out on a second major and first for 12 years after his solitary triumph at the US Open.

He posted on social media: ‘I gave it everything. Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on winning the Masters and completing the Grand Slam. Very cool sharing the green with you in that moment.

‘Thank you Team as always for all the support during the week. We go again.’

The classy tributes continued from the runner-up, hailing the 35-year-old champion for continuing to improve his game.

‘He kind of gave me an opportunity on 18 from the fairway,’ said Rose. ‘That was nice of him. But then he closed the door beautifully on 18 with two great swings when it mattered most for him.

‘What he’s really learned to do this year is play much more controlled golf, and obviously it’s paying off for him. He’s having an unbelievable season.’

Before being adorned with the green jacket by last year’s champion Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy said: ‘It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I was starting to wonder if it would ever be my time.

‘I think the last 10 years, coming here with the burden of the Grand Slam on my shoulders and trying to achieve that… I’m sort of wondering what we’re all going to be talking about going into next year’s Masters!

‘But I’m just absolutely honoured and thrilled and just so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.’

Tiger Woods had a special message for McIlroy after he finally added the Masters to his CV, saying: ‘Welcome to the club, Rory.

‘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!’

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