Rory McIlroy’s Emotional Masters Walk Became the Perfect Celebratory Meme

Kristen Wong | Apr 14, 2025

Rory McIlroy walks off the no. 18 green after winning a playoff during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. / Grace Smith-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy is finally a Masters champion.

McIlroy overcame his share of tough mental challenges at the end of his final round to defeat Justin Rose in the first playoff hole in a tournament that saw the 35-year-old record as many incredible shots as he did painful misses.

McIlroy, just the sixth golfer in history to clinch the career Grand Slam, shared a tearful moment with his family before walking off the green at Augusta to collect his jacket.

Emotions overcame him during his walk through the crowd, and for good reason. McIlroy had just won his first major victory in over a decade, triumphing where he faltered so many times with brutal Masters finishes throughout the years. Two runner-ups. One devastating collapse in 2011. But now, at long last, redemption.

Look at what Sunday's win meant to him:

A feeling unlike any other. #themasters pic.twitter.com/83PfPhR2Xx

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 13, 2025

Golf fans teared up at seeing McIlroy finally win the ever-elusive Masters, but they also had some fun with his big victory, too.

McIlroy's "Shawshank"-like walk across the green turned into the perfect celebratory meme:

Rob Pelinka walking into the Lakers arena after the Luka trade pic.twitter.com/UwcoWZBjEl

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) April 14, 2025

Me after bedtime every night for 2 boys under 5.

pic.twitter.com/DPDX5vMSYs

— Jonathan Wasserstrum (@jmwass) April 14, 2025

Me after I shoot an 89 to win $10 off my friend https://t.co/EAJAfCs4jE

— BIGPLAY Dave (@BIGPLAY_Dave) April 13, 2025

This is how I feel when I make it to the green with the same ball I hit off the tee. https://t.co/glSTyDNKlX

— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) April 14, 2025

Me when I play 9 holes without losing a ball https://t.co/smolSFBqTj

— Guy Charnock (@GuyCharnock) April 14, 2025

Me walking out of work on Friday afternoon https://t.co/yBkTxVkYVq

— Jbird (@jbirdslife) April 14, 2025

Every #Bills fan walking around the house when they finally do it…#BillsMafia https://t.co/sA3j6fI8M9

— Ajay Cybulski (@AjayCybulski) April 13, 2025

When no patients check in before the resident shift starts. https://t.co/77m53GNJS9

— Daniel J. Ritter, MD (@DRitterMD) April 14, 2025

The wait was definitely worth it. Congrats, Rory.

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