MASTERS BLASTER

Despair to glory..Rory misses final holé putt for title, then wins play-off

- JAMES MARTIN MCCARTHY

RORY Mcllroy sensationally gained golfing immortality in a dramatic Masters play-off last night.

The Irish star had a six foot putt on the final hole to take the title and erase memories of his 2011 final round meltdown at the same event.

But his shot slipped agonisingly past, and Rory went into the play-off against Englishman Justin Rose who also finished on -11.

However, he got his head back together in sensational style to beat Rose, sinking to the green in relief and pure emotion after completing golf's Grand Slam.

He broke down in tears and embraced his family.

Earlier, the quiet hum of anticipation had turned to a full-throated roar at Holywood Golf Club yesterday evening as locals rejoiced in hometown hero Rory McIlroy's final round of the Masters.

With the sun breaking through the clouds over Co Down, and a sense of something momentous in the air, the club that helped shape McIlroy's swing buzzed with pride ahead of him stepping onto the green.

Inside the clubhouse, all eyes were fixed on the television screens broadcasting live from Augusta National.