Shane Lowry’s win at Royal Portrush was incredible. Stenson edging Mickelson in 2016 was unforgettable. Watson vs. Nicklaus in 1977 was legendary. But Rory’s win at the Masters this year? That was utterly exhausting—and in the best possible way.
I’m of a vintage that remembers the great duels between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. They were world number one and two for most of the 1970s and battled it out in countless majors. Perhaps the most iconic of these was The Duel in the Sun at Turnberry in 1977, where the two traded birdies all day long. Leading by one on the final hole, Watson hit his approach to within two feet. Nicklaus, having driven into the cusp of the bushes on 18, produced a miraculous shot to the green and holed a long putt for birdie—forcing Watson to hole his own birdie putt to win. Third place finisher Hubert Green? He was a distant eight shots behind.
A similar head-to-head occurred between Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson at the 2016 Open at Royal Troon. In a masterclass of shot-making, Stenson emerged victorious with a final-round 63. Once again, the third-place finisher—this time JB Holmes—was 14 shots adrift. That’s how far ahead of the field those two were.
My first live Open experience came in 2019 at Royal Portrush, a venue that hadn’t hosted the championship since 1951. Arriving for the Tuesday practice round, I remember thinking the course was as perfectly presented as any links I’d ever seen—almost Augusta-like in its conditioning. Shane Lowry’s victory was emotional, emphatic, and unforgettable. The atmosphere that week was electric—arguably the best I’ve experienced at any Open.
But for sheer emotional rollercoaster, nothing compares to Rory McIlroy’s victory at the 2025 Masters.
Having won four majors by 2014, the narrative became: when will Rory win the Masters? As time passed, it shifted to: can Rory ever win another major? Eleven years had passed. And then came Augusta.
On the final day, Rory led, tied, and lost the Masters—all within 18 holes. His third shot on the 13th hole may have been one of the most deflating moments I’ve witnessed in golf. But his 7-iron on 15 was a different story—perhaps one of the greatest shots ever played under pressure. The drama was unmatched. And when he sealed victory in the playoff with another world-class approach, completing the career Grand Slam, it was history.
We watch golf for moments like these. For the drama. For the tension. For the magic. And Rory delivered all three in one unforgettable Sunday.
Planning your next golfing trip and looking for a new location? Contact Niall at Heritage Golf Getaways on +353 87 367 0816 or email niall@heritagegolfgetaways.com
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