In my 60 years playing and observing golf, I have never witnessed a rollercoaster ride of pure drama coupled with tidal waves of emotion on a final day that only sport can deliver at this level.
Sunday somewhat overshadowed the bravery of Rory coming back after the back nine at Augusta had taken two big chunks out of him on day one. His second round of 66 was pure grit to stay in the battle. Round three confirmed what everybody has been saying for years: he’s the best out there when he’s on, and it set him up for his day of reckoning.
It’s only now, when people see the eruption of raw emotion he shared with the world, that they realise the inner demons he has had to battle for nearly a decade and the sheer strength of character and desire it took to prevail on a course built to test every sinew of your being, both mentally and physically.
The impeccable beauty and perfection of order at the Masters disguise the cunning and craftiness of the design that tempts and taunts the player on every hole, nowhere more than on the back nine. The strategy of high risk–high reward is the essence of the philosophy behind this masterpiece by MacKenzie and Jones. Together, they took what they had learned from St Andrews and somehow managed to incorporate that strategy into Augusta National. The course somehow manages to reward only honest bravery but ruthlessly punishes arrogant aggression, as we witnessed with DeChambeau some years back, and the cowardice of the many who have come up ‘just short’.
It was a classic leaderboard on Sunday, with all the dynamics for the perfect script: PGA Tour versus LIV, the crowned prince of the next generation Åberg, gentleman Rose, seven countries in the top 10, many of them Major winners, and the number-one players in the world. There was also the score to be settled between the two leaders for Rory’s painful US Open defeat last year.
I was asked by my friend before the final round how I thought Rory would fare against DeChambeau, who looked the main threat. I said I would always back Rory against DeChambeau in a Ryder Cup match, as Irish Major winners are born and bred on match play – ‘mano a mano’, as Seve would say – and this should stand Rory in good stead.
Sunday had so many twists and turns, I just don’t know how Rory managed to handle it all. I’m sure those of you who watched felt the anxiety, tension, and pressure as one of the most enthralling and exciting days in Major golf history unfolded. It was endless drama. The only one who looked undaunted all day was Rose, who, as a past US Open Champion and at 44, had the patience, perseverance, and experience to hang in there and ‘see what happens’. In the end, he nearly prised the green jacket off Rory. His great sportsmanship, where he sincerely hugged and congratulated Rory for beating him fair and square, would have moved the founder of the event and embodies the essence of this great sport.
The pure agony of the double bogey at Amen Corner’s 13th hole and his 72nd-hole bogey from 128 yards. The sheer bravery and courage he showed with his spectacular second shot on the 15th. And finally, the ecstasy on the final hole will become folklore, remembered much like Tiger’s famous roar heard around the world and Jack’s kiss-goodbye win at 46.
It was an emotional and proud day for all of Ireland and for us as a family in particular, as my father was the first Irishman invited to play in the Masters by Bobby Jones 58 years ago. He would have been so proud to see my Rory coming off the last green.
It will also make for an unforgettable reception for the modern-day Grand Slam member when he shows up at Portrush to try to win the Open Championship on a course where he shot 61 at the tender age of 16. For sure, that’s next on the list to be ticked off for Rory. I hope we get to see that happen.
Irish eyes are wet with tears but smiling on one of the greatest moments in our country’s sporting history.
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