Joyous scenes at McIlroy’s hometown club after members endure night of drama

Five hours of unbearable sporting agony gave way to scenes of unbridled joy as crowds at Rory McIlroy’s home club in Co Down celebrated his dramatic Masters victory.

After a night when members at Holywood Golf Club endured an emotional rollercoaster like no other, the clubhouse erupted as the local hero sank his birdie putt at the first play-off hole at Augusta National to finally capture a long sought green jacket and enter golfing immortality as a winner of the career grand slam of major titles.

There were tears and cheers as club stalwarts embraced, while junior members who dream of emulating their hometown champion chanted his name.

The celebrations were a marked contrast to the sombre mood inside the club earlier in the night during the agonising moments of McIlroy’s final round when he looked to have blown his chances of glory.

Club captain Trevor Heaven said he had a feeling that 2025 was going to be McIlroy’s year.

“We’re so proud – this is immense for Holywood Golf Club,” he said.

“When I took on the captain role I got my green jacket, and I always said, ‘if I get my green jacket, Rory will come after me’.”

Former lady captain Paula Denvir said she kept faith that Holywood’s most famous son would prevail in the end.

“It was so well deserved and we’re all just so proud, we’re just so made up for him,” she said.

“He just deserved this so much. There were tears of joy all over the place tonight and there was stunned silence too. Everybody is in bits. We’re so delighted for him. It was brilliant.

“I’d every confidence in him, I don’t know what it was about this year, I just thought ‘he’ll do this, this was it’. And I’m really glad he proved me right. I’m so delighted.

“For Holywood this is unbelievable. He’s always