Gary Player issues statement after Rory McIlroy’s playoff against Justin Rose at The Masters and sends message to both players

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Rory McIlroy has won The Masters for the first time in his career, having beaten Justin Rose in a playoff at Augusta National.

McIlroy and Rose both ended their four rounds of The Masters on 11-under, forcing a sudden-death playoff.

And it was the former who came out on top at Augusta, with the Northern Irishman securing a birdie as the Englishman made par.

Rose told McIlroy he was grateful to have been on the green to share in the moment, with the latter having now secured the career Grand Slam.

His win at The Masters follows wins at the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and wins at the US Open and The Open Championship in 2011 and 2014 respectively.

Gary Player congratulates Rory McIlroy on ‘historic win’ at The Masters

Tiger Woods has messaged McIlroy after his triumph, with their fellow Masters champion and fellow career Grand Slam winner Gary Player now sharing his verdict.

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rory McIlroy on his historic win at The Masters and completion of the career Grand Slam,” Player wrote on X.

READ MORE: Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald react as Rory McIlroy finally wins The Masters

“The drama of today capped off with his playoff victory was simply meant to be. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my admiration for Justin Rose, who embodies the true spirit of a gentleman in our game.

“This is one of the rarest and most difficult achievements in all of sport, something only now six golfers in history have ever accomplished.

“We are proud to add Rory to our exclusive club and no doubt he has set the standard for his era. To win all four major championships takes unwavering perseverance and the courage to overcome adversity time and time again in the face of immeasurable pressure few have ever experienced.

“Rory showed true grit today and also through the entire tournament. It was 11 years ago when Rory first started the final leg of his career Grand Slam journey.

“And throughout this time, he’s carried himself with class, led with principle, and played with passion. For him to finally don the Green Jacket in golf is a moment to be celebrated by fans around the world.

“Rory has made his mark on history, and all of us who love this game are incredibly proud. Well done, my friend. Welcome to our club.”

Rory McIlroy and Gary Player among six golfers to complete the career Grand Slam

Player knows all about success at The Masters and indeed all about the career Grand Slam, having also achieved that feat in his glittering career.

As he mentioned, the South African is one of six players to have reached the milestone, with McIlroy the latest man to be added to the list.

READ MORE: Jack Nicklaus says what his relationship with Gary Player and Tom Watson is now like after being with them again at The Masters this year

After his dramatic playoff win over Rose, he has followed in the footsteps of Player, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

Whether or not he can clinch further success remains to be seen, but for now and for the foreseeable future, he will be relishing his hard-fought green jacket.