For a decade, the Masters was the one thing missing from Rory McIlroy's résumé. In April 2025, at Augusta National, he fixed that — completing the Career Grand Slam in front of a watching world, tears streaming down his face on the 18th green.
In his pocket: a small round marker made in Bethpage, New York. One side carries a Manchester United tribute. The other bears the words 'You already know how to play golf' — something his daughter Poppy said when Rory told her he was flying to see his swing coach. Jon put her words on the marker. Her name in the center. Rory never took it out of his pocket that week.
After the green jacket ceremony, Rory sent Jon a signed Masters flag with a note: 'Jon, Thanks for all the ball markers over the years! —Rory McIlroy'
