The Fightback Begins

Rory McIlroy's journey to the Masters title was nothing short of a rollercoaster. After a disappointing first round, McIlroy staged an impressive comeback in the second round. Starting with an early birdie on the second hole, he lit up the back nine with three birdies and a stunning eagle on the par-five 13th. His recovery from the pinestraw was a masterclass in precision, setting up a putt that earned him two shots back. By the end of the day, McIlroy was just two shots behind leader Justin Rose.

History-Making Start

McIlroy made history in his third round by becoming the first player to go three-three-three-three-three-three across the first six holes at Augusta. His chip-in for an eagle on the par-five second hole was particularly memorable, as it moved him into the lead for the first time. Despite a couple of bogeys later in the round, McIlroy carried a two-shot lead into the final round.

Putt of Redemption

The 10th hole was a significant moment for McIlroy, as it was the same hole where his infamous collapse began in 2011. This time, however, McIlroy nailed a perfect drive followed by a short-iron to 12 feet, despite dropping the club immediately after the shot. He rolled in the birdie putt to move four clear of DeChambeau, marking a moment of redemption.

The Shot of All Shots

McIlroy's high hooking effort around the trees on the par-five 15th was nothing short of spectacular. His ball landed on the green and settled six feet from the hole, setting up a tap-in birdie. This shot moved him into the solo lead and was a testament to his skill and determination.

'Go, Go, Go!'

In true McIlroy fashion, there was more drama as Rose drew level with a huge birdie putt on the 18th. McIlroy, who hadn't picked up a shot on the 17th or 18th all tournament, hit a stunning second shot from 180 yards on the penultimate hole. His ball landed on the green and skipped forward to about four feet, giving him the perfect chance to pull clear. McIlroy kept his nerve and knocked in the putt to take the lead with one hole left to play.

Play-Off Drama

McIlroy's journey to the Green Jacket culminated in a sudden-death play-off with Rose. After watching Rose land a stunning effort onto the green, McIlroy produced an exquisite set-up shot, spinning his ball back off a slope to give himself a three-footer. Rose's putt from 12 feet drifted wide, leaving McIlroy with the chance to complete the Grand Slam. He held his nerve and tucked home the winning shot, securing his place in sporting immortality.