“PRO” FILE – TOURING PRO RORY MCILROY

They say being president of the United States is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, with only 45 men having ever been president. This past month, Rory McIlroy joined an even more exclusive club – career Grand Slam winners in golf..
McIlroy became just the sixth man in golf history to capture all four major championships when he outlasted Justin Rose in a one-hole playoff. For 10 playings of the Masters, McIlroy tried to capture the most elusive honor in golf, finally succeeding in 2025 on his 11th try. McIlroy’s reaction on the green immediately after sinking the winning put was pure relief, according to him, though it became joyful in short order.
McIlroy’s first-round scoring average at Augusta National was over 73, and this year looked to repeat a similar script when he double-bogeyed two of the four final holes to shoot a 72. However, a second-round 66 vaulted him back into contention as if to say, “No, this year will be different.” Despite two double-bogeys and two bogeys the final round, McIlroy found a way to win, a testament to his extraordinary ability. And that ability is so extraordinary that his peers deem him the best in the game when he’s on, better than such luminaries as Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, and even Bryson DeChambeau.