McIlroy came out on top after a dramatic final day which saw him regroup from missing a putt which would have secured victory on the 18th to beat Rose in a sudden death play-off.
“When I hit the ball in the water on 13 I had a look at the board and I saw I was tied for the lead at that point and then I saw Justin Rose had just made a birdie to go to 11 [under].
“I thought, it’s ok, I’ve still got 14 and15 which are maybe birdie holes but then I bogey 14 and suddenly my back’s really against the wall.
“I pulled out a great shot when I needed it on 15 and from there I played some really great golf and had a chance in regulation to get the job done and wasn’t able to take it. I think from the last hole in regulation to the play-off hole it was like a microcosm of the whole week, it was one bad hole followed by one great hole.
McIlroy reflected further on the pressure he feels has been lifted off his shoulders after the frustration of several missed opportunities to secure the famed Green Jacket awarded to the Masters winner.
“I’ve been coming here for 17 years, I had my first real chance at winning this 14 years ago. It didn’t quite happen that day and then for the last 10 years I’ve been coming here and trying to complete the Grand Slam.
“Every year I’ve come here there has been a lot riding on this week for obvious reasons. Some years I handled it well, some years I didn’t, but thankfully, finally, I was able to get over the line.
“There were a few low points. Driving out of Magnolia Lane on Sunday nights and it not happening so to finally get the job done this year is unbelievably satisfying, such a special moment.”
