Trump Praises McIlroy’s “Courage,””Guts” After Masters Victory

President Donald Trump lauded Rory McIlroy’s Masters victory, praising the golfer’s resilience and determination in overcoming challenges throughout the tournament, as per Fox News.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump congratulated McIlroy on achieving the coveted Grand Slam, a feat accomplished by only six golfers in history, signifying victories in all four major professional golf championships.

“I have to congratulate Rory,” Trump stated in response to a reporter’s inquiry about whether he had watched The Masters. “That took tremendous courage. He was having a hard time, but it showed great guts and stamina and courage.”

Trump, an avid golfer himself, emphasized the mental fortitude required to succeed under pressure:

“People have no idea how tough that is. He came back. It’s better for him that it happened that way because that showed real courage to have come back from what could’ve been a tragedy – it was amazing.”

The president described The Masters as “maybe my favorite sporting show,” and stated he enjoys watching it annually when possible.

Trump also acknowledged Justin Rose, the English golfer who McIlroy faced in a sudden-death playoff after missing a par putt on his 72nd hole. Rose forced the playoff with a birdie on the 18th hole, moving to 11-under par and putting pressure on McIlroy, who bogeyed the same hole in regulation.

“Justin Rose was great,” Trump said. “Look, they’re great athletes under tremendous pressure. But unless you’re a golfer, you don’t understand that hundredth of an inch makes a difference between a great shot and a horrible shot.”

In the sudden-death playoff on the 18th hole, McIlroy’s approach shot landed within two feet of the pin, intensifying the pressure on Rose. Rose’s subsequent birdie attempt missed to the left, resulting in a par.

McIlroy then capitalized on his opportunity, sinking the putt on 18 to secure the victory, collapsing to his knees in celebration. The win marked the end of an 11-year major drought for McIlroy and completed his career Grand Slam, leading to emotional scenes as he embraced his family and team.