Watch: Rory McIlroy's home-town club erupts after Masters victory
Rory McIlroy's fans at his home-town golf club erupted as he clinched Masters glory – despite not being allowed to toast his success.
McIlroy etched his name in history as he completed a career Grand Slam with a remarkable play-off win over Justin Rose, sparking jubilant scenes 3,000 miles away at Holywood Golf Club.
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The club's bar licence meant last orders were called at 10pm, with those ordering before needing to down their drinks by 10.30pm. McIlroy still has his own parking space in the car park, and fans faced hours of drama as he finally ended his 11-year wait for a fifth major.
'I was absolutely sick with nerves,' Holywood Golf Club's lady captain Ruth Watt told the BBC.
'We thought he had thrown it away … but it was an unbelievable finish. I'm going home for a gin and tonic.'
McIlroy grew up in Holywood and his school, Sullivan Upper, awards green blazers to pupils who excel at sport. Some sixth formers watched their idol wearing their own green blazers.
Sullivan Upper students wore their green blazers to watch McIlory's victory at Augusta - PA/Liam McBurney
The 35-year-old wept tears of joy after sinking the winning putt at Augusta, embracing his wife of eight years, Erica Stoll. He then knelt down to hug daughter Poppy in emotionally charged scenes on the course.
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Tiger Woods welcomed McIlroy to golf's most exclusive club after his dramatic victory.
McIlroy joined Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen in having won all four major titles.
'Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory,' Woods posted on social media.
'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!'
McIlroy's close friend Shane Lowry joked that McIlroy could happily retire after completing the career grand slam.
'This means everything to him,' Lowry told Golf Channel.
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'This is all he thinks about, all he talks about. He always said to me he'd retire a happy man if he won the green jacket, so I told Erica he can retire now.
'He's had a long 10, 11 years, he's had a lot of hurdles to get over and it's a credit to him.'
Tommy Fleetwood, who finished 21st after a closing 69, added: 'I've said it a bunch of times, I think Rory is the best player of our generation. I don't think he's had to prove that for a while.
'For him to have finally got this one, a career grand slam, is unbelievably special. I think this time was always going to come, it's just Rory makes you feel like it's not going to at some point.
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'Whatever he did today, Rory's place in golf (history) was secure, but this has just added another layer on top of that.
'I do believe he's the best of our generation and now he's one of the greatest of all time.'
The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins joined political leaders from across the island in celebrating McIlroy's victory, calling it a 'truly outstanding achievement'.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the Holywood golfer's 'incredible' triumph placed him among the sport's greatest.
'This is a huge moment in sporting history, and one that has filled everyone back home with great pride and that will undoubtedly inspire future generations to chase their dreams,' she posted on X.
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'Enjoy the well-deserved celebrations, Rory!'
Irish premier Micheal Martin described the win as 'epic'.
'The Green Jacket is yours Rory McIlroy,' the Taoiseach posted on X.
'A finish for the ages at Augusta to win The Masters and complete a richly-deserved career Grand Slam. Epic achievement by one of golf's greatest talents
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