Phil Mickelson makes thoughts clear on Rory McIlroy after Masters win | Golf | Sport
There were early concerns that the Masters could slip from his grasp after he carded a double-bogey at the fourth and a further bogey on the sixth. However, McIlroy regrouped brilliantly, posting four birdies across the next seven holes, before sealing his one-under-par round with a decisive bogey putt. The 36-year-old, who finished on 12-under, had appeared destined for a commanding victory after dominating the opening two days. The Northern Irishman had built a six-shot lead at the halfway stage but ultimately prevailed by a single stroke as the tension mounted. While he would not have relished watching his rivals reel him in, it produced yet another captivating spectacle, a year on from his playoff victory over Justin Rose. Three-time Masters champion Mickelson certainly savoured the drama as it unfolded at Augusta.
McIlroy and Mickelson have become known for their contrasting stances on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf divide, with the latter joining LIV in 2022. McIlroy’s victory saw him draw level with the 55-year-old’s tally of six major wins and the American was generous in his praise for the defending champion.
Posting on X, Mickelson wrote: “Congrats to @McIlroyRory for an exciting @TheMasters win. Back to back is simply remarkable,” alongside two clapping emojis.
This is not the first occasion that Mickelson has taken to social media to praise McIlroy’s accomplishments. The LIV Golf star also acknowledged McIlroy completing his career Grand Slam at Augusta last year.
In April 2025, he wrote on X: “What an incredible Masters. Congrats to Rory on his win and for completing the career grand slam. Amazing.”
McIlroy walked away with the £3.3million top prize and relished his successful title defence. “It was a tough weekend but I’m so happy to hang in there and get the job done,” he said. “I wanted to come back and prove last year wasn’t a fluke.”
The two-time champion admitted that he and caddie Harry Diamond had little to say ahead of his tee shot on the 18th, with both understanding what was required. In his victory speech, the Masters champion paid tribute to his family for their support throughout his journey.
“This is the hard part. I want to say a few thank yous to the people on my left. First and foremost, my wife and daughter, Erica and Poppy,” he said. “They have to put up with me at home and, trust me, sometimes that’s a tough thing to do. But they have been my biggest supporters.
“This has definitely turned into Poppy’s favourite week of the year. I don’t know if it’s because of the Par 3 Tournament or it’s the all-you-can-eat ice cream in the players’ services building.”
He added: “My mum and dad, they weren’t here last year to celebrate with us and I surprisingly I had to convince them to come this year, because they thought the only reason I won was because they weren’t here. So I’m glad we proved that wrong. But mum and dad I owe everything to you, you are the most wonderful parents, and if I can be half the parent to Poppy that you were to me I know I’ll have done a good job.”
