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Irish Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Justin Thomas makes Rory McIlroy comparison as he opens up on PGA Tour win
For Justin Thomas, the overwhelming feeling after winning the RBC Heritage on Sunday was relief. That win was his first on the PGA Tour for three years, a drought that had seen him fail to get the job done since the 2022 PGA Championship. A week on from seeing Rory McIlroy end his own infamous drought, Thomas has shared his feelings on the win and believes there are some parallels between what Rory and himself were going through. Reflecting on the weight lifted by his latest achievement, Thomas likened his feelings to those McIlroy surely experienced at Augusta. "It's obviously incredibly different from Rory's situation, but there is a little bit of relief there. This was just the me of old. I was just really patient today," Thomas expressed, according to Jason Sobel of SiriusXM. "It's so hard to force the issue on a course like this. It's so fast and so much fun to play. I'm really proud of myself." Even faced with the high stakes of a playoff, Thomas confessed he had missed the thrill of victory, yet he aimed to enjoy every moment on the green. "I've never made a putt to win a tournament before, of length," he shared. "Been fortunate to have a lot of tap-ins but that was pretty cool. It wasn't as fun as much as I thought it would be," reports the Express. "Winning is hard, it's really hard but I've worked my butt off and stayed patient and positive," Thomas proclaimed, reflecting on his triumph. McIlroy is all set to tee off at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with partner Shane Lowry to defend their title in his first tournament since winning the Masters. In what has been a phenomenal beginning to the year, the 35-year-old golf sensation has received a bold prediction from Trevor Heaven, the men's captain at Holywood Golf Club, who believes McIlroy could bag a further five majors. Rory's fellow Northern Irishman claimed: "I think it's a free run over the next couple of years, and he's so talented that when he turns up to all the golf tournaments, he's always the favourite. But Rory pushes through the 'Rory-coaster.'" "He makes us wait but the excitement, the humbleness of the guy, the professionalism of the guy, the homeboy of Holywood, it's an unbelievable achievement that he's done, and he's now a global superstar."
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Justin Thomas' comment about Rory McIlroy speaks volumes after RBC Heritage win
Justin Thomas claimed a first PGA Tour victory since 2022 at the RBC Heritage and the American admitted he felt a similar level of relief as Rory McIlroy did after winning the Masters Justin Thomas has opened up about the immense relief he felt after clinching the RBC Heritage, his first PGA Tour victory in three years, drawing parallels to Rory McIlroy 's long-awaited Masters win. The 31-year-old American golfer secured his first Tour win since 2022 on Sunday by edging out Andrew Novak in a tense one-hole playoff in South Carolina. Despite bagging a second PGA Championship in 2022, Thomas hadn't managed to capitalise on that triumph until now, finally adding to his trophy cabinet and pocketing a cool £2.7million ($3.6m) prize fund. Speaking of the burden lifted with his latest win, Thomas compared his emotions to those McIlroy must have felt at Augusta. "It's obviously incredibly different from Rory's situation, but there is a little bit of relief there. This was just the me of old. I was just really patient today," Thomas expressed, according to Jason Sobel of SiriusXM. "It's so hard to force the issue on a course like this. It's so fast and so much fun to play. I'm really proud of myself." Even faced with the high stakes of a playoff, Thomas confessed he had missed the thrill of victory, yet he aimed to enjoy every moment on the green. "I've never made a putt to win a tournament before, of length," he shared. "Been fortunate to have a lot of tap-ins but that was pretty cool. It wasn't as fun as much as I thought it would be," reports the Express. "Winning is hard, it's really hard but I've worked my butt off and stayed patient and positive," Thomas proclaimed, reflecting on his triumph. McIlroy is all set to tee off at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with partner Shane Lowry to defend their title in his first tournament since winning the Masters. In what has been a phenomenal beginning to the year, the 35-year-old golf sensation has received a bold prediction from Trevor Heaven, the men's captain at Holywood Golf Club, who believes McIlroy could bag a further five majors. Rory's fellow Northern Irishman claimed: "I think it's a free run over the next couple of years, and he's so talented that when he turns up to all the golf tournaments, he's always the favorite. But Rory pushes through the 'Rory-coaster.' "He makes us wait but the excitement, the humbleness of the guy, the professionalism of the guy, the homeboy of Holywood, it's an unbelievable achievement that he's done, and he's now a global superstar."
CNN
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Rory McIlroy could go onto win 10 majors now Masters ‘shackles are off,' says men's captain of his hometown golf club
As Rory McIlroy sunk to his knees in celebration, the party of all parties was about to begin. McIlroy ended his long wait to win the Masters last Sunday, joining an exclusive list of golfers to complete golf's career grand slam – winning each of the four majors. And back in his native Northern Ireland, the celebrations were just about to begin, despite the late hour. Images from inside the Holywood Golf Club clubhouse – the place where McIlroy began his golfing journey and where he is an honorary member – show the pure delight at seeing one of their own finally banish his demons, jumping to their feet and cheering as McIlroy drained his winning putt before embracing one another. Trevor Heaven, the men's captain at Holywood, remembers the feeling of seeing the local boy finally slip on the famous green jacket. 'Oh, it was fantastic: the emotions, the excitement, the crowd, the noise,' Heaven told CNN Sports. 'People jumping up and down, people going outside because they couldn't watch it, it was just a fantastic evening.' It's not been an easy journey for McIlroy, having to endure 11 years of highs and lows as he strived to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win all four majors. Those years were filled with the joy of winning other, big-name tournaments but also the lows of injuries, near misses and high-profile collapses – none more so than at the 2011 Masters where he blew a big third-round lead to finish tied for 15th. But the turbulent nature of his career since exploding onto the scene almost 15 years ago makes his victory at Augusta even sweeter, says Heaven. 'Over the years, he's always gone down, he's gone up, he's gone down, but he's always come back. He's a battler,' Heaven explained. 'He always gets his way around and he finds a way to win. 'This time on Sunday, when he had the disappointment on the 13th hole, he pulled it back on the 15th hole, then he pulled it back on the 17th hole, and then he had to do it all again on the playoff. It was such an achievement that it'll go down in history as one of the greatest Masters ever.' McIlroy's journey into golf has become part of local folklore, beginning as an avid fan of Tiger Woods and spending long hours on the driving range honing his skills from a young age. Heaven first encountered McIlroy when he was six years old and remembers he and Michael Bannon – another aspiring player and now McIlroy's coach – hitting drives down the 17th hole at Holywood Golf Club. 'All the other golfers used to be coming through the course, and they used to stop and watch, and they just couldn't believe how good he was at that age, hitting the balls down the 17th hole,' Heaven remembers. McIlroy was always surrounded by golf, Heaven explains, beginning with his grandfather Jimmy who was a member at Holywood. McIlroy's parents, Gerry and Rosie, went to great lengths to ensure that McIlroy could fulfill his full potential as a golfer, as Heaven paid tribute to their dedication for providing him with an opportunity to flourish. 'When (McIlroy) was growing up as a young boy, Gerry and his mom, Rosie, they had many jobs to support Rory,' Heaven explained. 'To support him on his career, to take him to all the tournaments, to travel all around Ireland so he could enter the tournaments. 'And it was such a commitment by the parents, everyone in Holywood acknowledges that, that they went through hard times to make Rory turn up at all the tournaments.' And all the hard work and long hours have paid off with McIlroy cementing his name in the history books with his victory at this year's Masters. Winning at Augusta National had become the one achievement that had remained elusive for McIlroy across his golfing career, but with that weight no longer on his back, Heaven believes he can go onto bigger and better things and surpass 10 major titles – he currently has five – now that the 'shackles are off.' 'I think it's a free run over the next couple of years, and he's so talented that when he turns up to all the golf tournaments, he's always the favorite,' he said. 'But Rory pushes through the 'Rory-coaster.' He makes us wait but the excitement, the humbleness of the guy, the professionalism of the guy, the homeboy of Holywood, it's an unbelievable achievement that he's done, and he's now a global superstar.'
BBC News
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'McIlroy a wide-eyed boy who fulfilled his dream'
Rory McIlroy was the wide-eyed boy from Northern Ireland who had an audacious dream - to win all four of golf's major championships. He wanted to emulate his idol, Tiger Woods. It might have seemed like the starry aspirations of youth, but 25 years later, his dreams have become reality. After first meeting McIlroy when he was just 10 years old, it has been a privilege to chronicle Rory's ascent from prodigious talent at Holywood Golf Club to global superstar, capturing some of the most defining moments of his remarkable impressions always resonate, and they've never was a grounded young man - blessed with extraordinary gifts, but also a boy who juggled schoolwork with relentless practice. His wonderful parents, Gerry and Rosie, provided unwavering support and tirelessly nurtured their son's ambitions. 'He didn't shy away from Masters pain' From his amateur triumphs, like winning the Irish Amateur Close Championship at 15 and earning a silver medal at the 2007 Open as a teenager - to his first professional victory in 2009, Rory welcomed me and BBC Northern Ireland into his world. He often told me how much it meant to share his journey with the people back home, a connection to his roots that remains vital to him today.I still smile thinking of the time I gave Rory a lift home from the airport after the '07 Open. His enthusiasm was infectious as he recounted his best shots, and we ended up reliving them on the putting green his parents had built at their house. Those moments revealed the joy and passion that I think still define Rory burst onto the global stage, we were there for his Masters debut in 2009 and, two years later, for the heart-wrenching collapse when he let a four-shot lead slip away on the final round at Augusta. Rory didn't shy away from the pain. Moments after finishing, he gave us a tearful interview, and just a week later, he opened up again at home in Northern Ireland for a special documentary. I'll never forget what he said - he was undeterred by the setback and confident a major win was to his word, less than two months later, Rory silenced doubters with a record-breaking eight-shot victory at the US Open. It was Father's Day, and the footage we captured of Rory embracing his dad, Gerry, remains a treasured memory. Flying back to Northern Ireland with him after that triumph, I saw tears in his eyes as he spotted Holywood from the jet descending into Belfast City Airport. His emotion at bringing that trophy home was palpable. 'Incredible and unforgettable' Rory's ascent continued as he claimed three more major titles in rapid succession, granting us unparalleled access during his 2014 double-major season when he became the best golfer in the the eve of that year's Open Championship, he joined me for a BBC television chat show alongside Northern Ireland's other major champions, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell. Coordinating their schedules with so much at stake was no small feat, but Rory's focus never wavered. After lots of laughs that night he went on to lift the Claret Jug. He also allowed us to film the tender moment when he presented the famous trophy to his mum, Rosie, as he had also done in 2011 with his first major has struck me most about Rory is his resilience, both on and off the course. His ability to rebound from setbacks and navigate intense scrutiny, given his talent and the weight of history, has been nothing short of extraordinary.I've been immensely fortunate to have a front row seat to Rory's life, watching a boy with lofty dreams become, in my opinion, the greatest sporting icon the island of Ireland has ever that first meeting in Holywood to now witness him achieve history by winning the Masters to complete the Grand Slam - has been an incredible and unforgettable experience.I have no doubt there's more of this amazing story to come.
The Independent
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Tiger Woods leads reaction to McIlroy's stunning long-awaited Masters win
Tiger Woods has welcomed Rory McIlroy to golf's most exclusive club after his dramatic victory in the 89th Masters. McIlroy defeated Justin Rose on the first hole of a play-off at Augusta National to join 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. '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 (McIlroy's wife) 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. '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. '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.' Meanwhile, five hours of unbearable sporting agony gave way to scenes of unbridled joy as crowds at Rory McIlroy's home club in Co Down celebrated his dramatic Masters victory. After a night when members at Holywood Golf Club endured an emotional rollercoaster like no other, the clubhouse erupted as the local hero sank his birdie putt at the first play-off hole at Augusta National to finally capture a long sought green jacket and enter golfing immortality as a winner of the career grand slam of major titles. There were tears and cheers as club stalwarts embraced, while junior members who dream of emulating their hometown champion chanted his name. The celebrations were a marked contrast to the sombre mood inside the club earlier in the night during the agonising moments of McIlroy's final round when he looked to have blown his chances of glory.
