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Rory McIlroy finally lifted a huge weight off his back when he won The Masters in 2025, bringing an end to several years of heartache at Augusta National.
McIlroy needed only The Masters title to complete the career grand slam, which he finally did last year after an 11-year wait.
He won the US Open, the PGA Championship and The Open Championship all between 2011 and 2014, and even added another PGA Championship title during that time.
But a lengthy drought at Augusta National followed, which was finally resolved when he beat Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff this time last year.
Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, a six-time winner of The Masters, has now shared his verdict on why McIlroy waited so long to get over the line.
Jack Nicklaus suggests Rory McIlroy played too aggressive at Augusta National
Sharing his emotions about McIlroy’s famous victory at Augusta, Nicklaus said in a video on his Instagram: “Well, Rory has been knocking on the door at Augusta for a long time.
“And I know he wanted to win it very badly. And I think he prepared himself well. He’s prepared himself well every year, but that year he happened to get the job done.
“Some of the great shots that he played, I mean the second shot at 15, the second shot he hit at 17.
“There were several others that were pretty sensational, I can’t think of off the top of my head right now. When you make shots like he made at that time, it’s going to be your time.
“And he got it done. So I was really very happy for Rory. I like Rory, I’ve been a big Rory fan for a long time, and he came through.”
He added: “I’ve always played the golf course conservatively. I don’t think it’s a golf course that… if you play really aggressive you’re going to make some big numbers.
“And I think that was Rory’s problem in early years. Rory always seemed to make a couple of triple bogeys, and that did him in.
“And I don’t think he really had that last year. I think he did well with that.”
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Jack Nicklaus enjoys ‘truly special’ Champions Dinner with Rory McIlroy
Of course, not only does Nicklaus know what it takes to win The Masters at Augusta National, but he knows it better than anyone else.
The American legend sits at the very top of the pile thanks to his six victories in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975 and 1986.
Tiger Woods, who isn’t playing this year, is next in the leaderboard with five, followed by the four of Arnold Palmer.
McIlroy will now be aiming to climb that list, although his win has now earned him a lifetime spot at the Champions Dinner.
Sharing his delight at being joined by McIlroy there, Nicklaus wrote in the same Instagram post: “I’ve known Rory McIlroy since he was 19 years old, and I remember the day we talked about what it would take from him to win for the first time on the PGA Tour.
“Now, 17 years later, he’s a Masters Champion.
“It was truly special to celebrate him at last night’s Masters Club Dinner – and toast with an impressive wine list! – and reflect on his Green Jacket win last year to complete the Grand Slam.”
Nicklaus has also completed the career grand slam, as have Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Woods.
Three active players are now looking to join that exclusive club, although none need to secure a win at Augusta.
Jordan Spieth requires a victory at the PGA Championship, while Scottie Scheffler and Phil Mickelson are both missing a US Open title.
Read more:
Tiger Woods’ new Official World Golf Ranking confirmed as he misses The Masters
Shane Lowry claims Rory McIlroy could hand him the best moment of his career at The Masters
Rory McIlroy suggests how many more years he has left in his ‘prime’ as a golfer
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