Rory McIlroy is the first European golfer to win a Grand Slam title - Photo: Reuters
After much effort and waiting, Rory McIlroy finally broke the curse on April 14th. His breathtaking victory at the 2025 Masters completed his collection of four majors, securing the prestigious Grand Slam title of his career.
One of the six greatest golfers in history.
The 35-year-old Northern Irish golfer held his composure in a tense play-off against his English opponent Justin Rose to ultimately win the tournament after 17 appearances.
McIlroy couldn't hide his happiness, calling the victory a dream come true and admitting he had doubted whether this moment would ever come.
He became the sixth person in golf history (alongside Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods) and the first European to complete a Grand Slam.
Unlike tennis, a Grand Slam title is awarded to the winner of one of four tournaments: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, within a given year.
A Grand Slam title in golf is determined when a golfer wins all major tournaments throughout their career. These four tournaments are: The Masters Tournament, The PGA Championship, The US Open, and The Open Championship. To achieve a Grand Slam, a golfer doesn't need to win all four majors in the same year. They only need to win each tournament during their professional career.
And The Masters was the final major tournament that Rory McIlroy was missing from his career. He brilliantly completed it on April 14th after defeating Justin Rose, making himself one of the six legendary golfers in the world .
Facing myocarditis since the age of 20.
However, few people know that behind his powerful swings and endurance on the golf course, McIlroy has to battle a serious heart condition that could be life-threatening if he doesn't "manage it carefully".
In 2018, he revealed he had suffered a heart attack following a severe viral infection in China 18 months prior. More recently, in a podcast, McIlroy also shared that he has suffered from myocarditis, a potentially dangerous inflammatory condition of the heart muscle, since he was 20 years old.
Although most cases of myocarditis are mild, the disease can damage the heart and make it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.
The 35-year-old golfer said: "I've had myocarditis since I was 20. I wear a WHOOP device to monitor my heart rate and heart rate changes. With myocarditis, if you're not hydrated or magnesium deficient, your heart can develop small, worrisome arrhythmias. Being able to manage that gives me peace of mind."
McIlroy was overcome with emotion after winning - Photo: REUTERS
According to the Daily Mail, myocarditis often occurs after a viral infection. The disease happens because the body's immune system overreacts to the infection, causing inflammation, and this inflammation can persist in the heart even after the virus has been eliminated.
While some patients are asymptomatic, others may experience chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. In rare cases, if the inflammation is severe, myocarditis can leave scars on the heart muscle, affecting the heart's function and ability to pump blood throughout the body, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Winning the 2025 Masters not only marked a historic milestone in McIlroy's career but also demonstrated his unwavering determination to overcome health obstacles and reach the pinnacle of glory.
This championship will undoubtedly give him a huge boost of motivation on his journey to conquer new heights in the world of golf.
McIlroy's wife and children frequently attend the tournaments he participates in - Photo: REUTERS
McIlroy's wife is Erica Stoll. They started dating in 2015 after being friends for some time and married in 2017. Erica was born and raised in New York and graduated with a degree in marketing. The two first met in 2012 at the Ryder Cup.
After a difficult period in their relationship, in May 2024, McIlroy filed for divorce but later withdrew the application, and both resolved their differences to move towards a new beginning together.
They have a daughter named Poppy Kennedy McIlroy (born August 31, 2020). The golfer once shared his happiness at becoming a father, calling it the best part of his life and saying his love for his daughter is unconditional.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/rory-mcilroy-vuot-benh-tim-de-gianh-grand-slam-danh-gia-20250414230843811.htm
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