• Rory McIlroy wins the Masters and completes the career Grand Slam.
• He defeated Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff at Augusta National.
• McIlroy becomes the first European man to achieve this feat.
• This victory marks his first major win since 2014, ending a decade-long wait.
• Tributes from across the globe celebrate his historic achievement.

Rory McIlroy captured the Masters title on Sunday, triumphing over Justin Rose in a dramatic sudden-death playoff, thus completing his career Grand Slam and solidifying his place in golf history. This victory marks McIlroy as the sixth player in history to win all four major championships, joining golfing legends such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, and making him the first European to achieve this prestigious milestone, according to Reuters.

McIlroy's journey to this moment was filled with heart-stopping twists. Starting the final round with a two-shot lead, he quickly lost ground with a double bogey on the first hole, momentarily relinquishing control of the match. However, in what turned out to be a testing back nine, McIlroy showcased resilience, ultimately claiming the Masters crown in a thrilling playoff, according to Channel News Asia.

The bittersweet joy of victory was palpable as McIlroy sank a birdie on the first hole of the playoff, a poignant moment underscored by the euphoria of securing his first Green Jacket. Following the final putt, McIlroy collapsed to his knees in disbelief, echoing his long-held ambition to win the illustrious Masters, according to CBS News.

Emotional reflections filled the air as he thanked supporters and praised his caddie for the crucial role they played in this hard-won victory. McIlroy shared, "There were points in my career where I didn't know if I would have this nice garment over my shoulders," revealing the weight of expectation he had carried over the years, according to BBC.

Following the win, applause resonated from monumental figures in golf. Tiger Woods congratulated McIlroy with enthusiasm, extending a welcome to join the elite group of career Grand Slam winners, reiterating the significance of his victory on social media, drawing from the spirit of camaraderie within the sport. Meanwhile, McIlroy's achievements were celebrated by the sporting community and sports pundits alike, who described the event as one of the greatest days in professional golf history, as noted by India Times.

Looking forward, his coach Brad Faxon expressed confidence that this victory could propel McIlroy toward even more championships, suggesting he has the potential to double his major titles, an opinion echoed by many in the golf community, according to Channel News Asia.

Meanwhile, as discussions around his performance continue, McIlroy’s strategic gameplay, including avoiding interaction with competitors like Bryson DeChambeau, was a deliberate approach to maintain focus. His sports psychologist confirmed this strategy was vital to keep McIlroy zoned into the game, highlighting the mental fortitude involved in professional golf, according to BBC.