‘Proud of you’ – Tiger Woods sends message to Rory McIlroy after 2024 prediction comes true

Rory McIlroy’s historic victory at The Masters proved that Tiger Woods was right in his prediction.

McIlroy completed a long-awaited career Grand Slam with a nail-biting sudden death play-off victory over Justin Rose at Augusta.

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It also ended a decade-long wait for a major, having won the PGA Championship and The Open 11 years ago in 2014.

In doing so, the Northern Irish star became only the sixth player in golf history to achieve a career Grand Slam alongside Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Gene Sarazan, Jack Nicklaus and McIlroy’s idol Tiger Woods.

McIlroy had come painfully close to claiming The Masters on a number of occasions over the years, but had come agonisingly short to leave fans wondering if he’d ever claim the title.

However golf’s GOAT, Woods, never had such doubts.

Speaking about McIlroy before the 2024 Masters began, Woods said: “No question, he’ll do it at some point.

“Rory’s too talented, too good.

“He’s going to be playing this event for a very long time.

“He’ll get it done. It’s just a matter of when.”

So on Sunday night after McIlroy claimed glory at Augusta, Woods was one of the first to take to social media with his congratulations.

Taking to X, Woods said: “Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory.

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“Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special.

“Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re a part of history.

“Proud of you!”

Speaking after being presented with the green jacket by 2024 champion Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy couldn’t hide his delight.

“It feels incredible.

“This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.

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“The last 10 years coming here with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulder and trying to achieve it, I wonder what we’re going to talk about going into next year.

“I’m absolutely honoured, thrilled and proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.”

It was a day of stunning drama that started with McIlroy losing the lead on the second hole, he then bounced back to lead by four standing on the 11th tee – only to blow that advantage in scenes eerily similar to his meltdown as a 21-year–old in 2011.

“It was 14 years in the making, from having a four-shot lead (after three rounds) in 2011.

“There was a lot of pent up emotion that came out on the 18th green and a moment like that makes all the years and close calls worth it.”