Well said Nipper.

I have a personal anecdote on Justin Rose, if you will allow me.

Some friends once poked Justin with a message on X about our annual golf reunion and he responded with a personal reply, wishing us all well.

He just seems to be one of sport's good guys, and was typically generous to Rory McIlroy in defeat, when inside he must have been crushed...

Image source, X: @JustinRose99

Image source, Getty Images

At the age of 44, Justin Rose came close to producing his own victory for the ages after forcing a play-off with a six-under par closing round of 66.

He would go on to finish runner-up in the Masters for the second time in his career after also losing a play-off eight years ago to Sergio Garcia.

But the former US Open and Olympic champion said he was able to "take solace" in the way he fought back on the final day.

"Today was an unbelievable round of golf," said Rose, who managed 10 birdies in his final round, including a long putt at the last which ultimately forced the play-off.

"I just really began to feel that confidence come back with the putter, which is unbelievable.

"Ten birdies on a golf course I thought was playing quite tricky, greens were firm and crusty, but with that came a few mistakes here and there."

On losing in a play-off for a second time: "It's definitely tough, but I bounced back pretty well from that, too. I went on to be world number one after that so I used it to my advantage."

Not even the early closure of the bar could spoil the party at Rory McIlroy's hometown golf club after his long-awaited Masters victory.

The last pints of beer and glasses of wine were served at Holywood Golf Club more than two hours before the dramatic golf tournament ended, but nobody cared.

Everyone was drinking in the excitement as their Holywood hero finally clinched golf's grand slam just after midnight UK-time.

Winning all four major tournaments has taken longer than McIlroy, and his fans, hoped it would.

So it was of no surprise that one of the biggest emotions after the Rory rollercoaster round on Sunday night was relief.

"I was absolutely sick with nerves," the club's lady captain Ruth Watt admitted.

"We thought he had thrown it away, but it was an unbelievable finish. I'm going home for a gin and tonic."

Image source, PA Media

The first hole was just the start of Rory McIlroy's emotional rollercoaster, but he quickly regained his composure with birdies at the third and fourth.

It was expected that Bryson DeChambeau - the man who wrestled last year's US Open title out of Rory's grasp - would be the one to capitalise on any slip-up made by the world number two.

But as the American favourite fell away, carding a three-over par round of 75 to finish tied for fifth, it would be friend and Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose who would eventually rise up through the field to become Rory's only serious challenger...

Image source, Getty Images

So imagine Rory McIlroy's state of mind, after suffering so much in the past at Augusta, as he went into this year's final round at the Masters with a two-shot lead over playing partner Bryson DeChambeau, only to see that wiped out by a double-bogey six on the very first hole?

Image source, Getty Images

Rory McIlroy's Masters quest started long before his mission to complete the career Grand Slam.

He was inspired by Tiger Woods' first Masters win in 1997 and looked destined to replicate that feat as he went into the final day of the 2011 tournament leading by four shots, searching for his very first major title.

But that storyline was just too simple, wasn't it?

McIlroy suffered a chastening lesson that day, as he carded an eight-over par round of 80 to fall out of contention.

"I would say it was 14 years in the making," said McIlroy of his Masters title.

"Going out with a four-shot lead in 2011 and feeling like I could have got it done there.

"A lot of pent-up emotion came out on the 18th green. A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it."

Image source, Getty Images

Rory McIlroy spoke so eloquently after his victory, but saved his most personal tribute for his family, who had suffered alongside the man from Holywood, as his search for sporting immortality took him to the edge:

"They've been on this journey with me the whole way through.

"They know the burden I have carried to come here every year and try, try and try again.

"The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy is never ever give up on your dream.

"Keep coming back, keep working hard and if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. Love you.

"It's an honour of a lifetime to be standing here. I've dreamt about this moment for so long and I can't wait to be here again next year, in Scottie's position, hopefully putting the Green Jacket back on myself!"

There is so much to dissect from Rory McIlroy's final round at Augusta, but let's boil down Sunday's action by starting at the very end:

• Rory McIlroy led England's Justin Rose by one shot, on 12 under par, when he approached the 18th hole at Augusta National for the first time on Sunday
• He just needed a par four at the last but put his approach shot into the greenside bunker from the fairway and failed to get up and down in two, missing a six-foot putt for the title
• The man from Northern Ireland had to quickly gather himself and go down the 18th again, this time in a sudden-death play-off with Rose
• Both men reached the green in two, but McIlroy was in close with his approach and after Rose missed a tricky birdie attempt from 12 feet Rory rolled in from three feet to claim a first Green Jacket
• After waiting for this moment for 11 years, since his last major win in The Open in 2014, McIlroy sank to his knees, his face buried in the grass as he sobbed uncontrollably.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said on X: "Massive congratulations to Rory McIlroy on his incredible victory at the Masters - making history as the first ever from our island to win the prestigious Green Jacket!

"A phenomenal achievement that completes a career Grand Slam, placing him amongst the greatest ever golf players.

"This is a huge moment in sporting history, and one that has filled everyone back home with great pride and that will undoubtedly inspire future generations to chase their dreams.

"Enjoy the well-deserved celebrations, Rory!"

Here are some of the key stats behind Rory McIlroy's Masters achievement....

• McIlroy is only the SIXTH man to complete the career Grand Slam
• The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland has claimed his FIFTH major title
• He's the first player to win the Masters after FOUR double bogeys over his four rounds
• His FIRST major since 2014!

We have been thinking about that Matt and have boiled down a list of sportsmen and women from Northern Ireland who have transcended their sport to achieve iconic status.

Here are a few to start the ball rolling:

• Mary Peters
• George Best
• Joey Dunlop
• Tony McCoy
• Rory McIlroy

Discuss...

Image source, Getty Images

We wonder if Rory McIlroy is partying into the early hours over in America, or tucked up in bed still wearing his Green Jacket?

If he is, then the man from Holywood, Northern Ireland, will wake up to see one very special message on his phone, amongst the many thousands from well-wishers:

@RoyalFamily on X: "Congratulations @McIlroyRory on your historic win at The Masters!"

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio 5 Live

Let's face it, everyone wants to talk about Rory McIlroy this morning.

While we walk you through Sunday's drama, why not talk the talk as well with BBC Radio 5 Live's Nicky Campbell.

He is hosting a phone-in right now and you can follow that by clicking the 'watch live' icon at the top of the page.

Double-bubble!

We are going to take you back to the start of Rory McIlroy's round on Sunday and go through the key moments that led him to sporting immortality.

But for anyone who missed out on it entirely and wants to be quickly brought up to speed, this video will give you a potted highlights of the day.

Be warned, those with an emotional disposition should have some tissues at the ready...

Image source, Getty Images

Shall we welcome a Grand Slam club member into our conversation?

Tiger Woods, the last golfer to achieve it in 2000, was quick to take to X to congratulate Rory McIlroy.

Five-time Masters winner Woods wrote on X: "Welcome to the club. 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."