Golf icon Phil Mickelson has reached out to Rory McIlroy following his win at the Masters. McIlroy made history by defending his title at Augusta National, becoming only the fourth golfer to achieve this feat.
Despite facing challenges early on in the tournament with a double-bogey and a bogey, McIlroy showed resilience by scoring four birdies in the following seven holes. He finished with a one-under-par round, securing the victory with a crucial putt.
Having led by six shots in the first two days, the 36-year-old McIlroy faced increasing pressure as his competitors closed in. Fellow golfer Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, acknowledged the intensity of the competition at Augusta.
Known for their contrasting stances within the PGA Tour and LIV Golf division, McIlroy and Mickelson share mutual respect. Mickelson took to social media to congratulate McIlroy on his impressive achievement, highlighting his back-to-back Masters win as extraordinary.
This is not the first time Mickelson has praised McIlroy on social platforms. The LIV Golf participant previously celebrated McIlroy’s Grand Slam completion at Augusta in 2024.
With a prize of £3.3 million, McIlroy expressed joy in successfully defending his title, emphasizing the hard work behind the win. He thanked his family for their unwavering support and credited their influence on his success.
Acknowledging the pivotal moment on the 18th hole, McIlroy mentioned the silent understanding between him and his caddie, Harry Diamond. During his victory speech, he extended gratitude to his loved ones for their pivotal roles in his journey to victory.