Rory McIlroy wins Masters in dramatic fashion, becomes 6th golfer to complete career Slam

Rory McIlroy wins the Masters, completes career Grand Slam, and receives congratulations from Tiger Woods.

It was finally Rory McIlroy's time, even if it took a little longer than perhaps was necessary.

McIlroy birdied the first playoff hole with a short putt after missing a chance to win in regulation, capturing the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam on Sunday in Augusta, U.S. He takes his place in golf history as the sixth player with the career Grand Slam.

"This is my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time," the Northern Irishman said. "I think the last 10 years coming here with the burden of the Grand Slam on my shoulders and trying to achieve that — yeah, I'm sort of wondering what we're all going to talk about going into next year's Masters."

McIlroy's 1-over-par 73 left him tied with England's Justin Rose, who posted 66 and waited for McIlroy to finish. They both shot 11-under 277 for the week.

Re-playing the 18th hole at Augusta National Golf Club, McIlroy's approach shot rolled back toward the hole and inside Rose's ball. After Rose missed a birdie attempt and notched a par, McIlroy didn't flub another chance for a victory.

He dropped his putter, put his hands on his head and fell prostrate on the green, sobbing.

"There was a lot of pent-up emotion that just came out on that 18th green," McIlroy said. "A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it."