Tiger Woods issues statement after Rory McIlroy wins the Masters and his response speaks volumes

Tiger Woods issued a statement after Rory McIlroy finally won the Masters and joined him in an elite club of golfers.

The coveted green jacket had always evaded the Northern Irishman, who experienced an almighty collapse at Augusta back in 2011 and thought that it might never happen for him.

But despite blowing a four-shot lead and missing a putt in the final round, a locked-in McIlroy got over the line on Sunday, sinking to his knees with pure emotion after a birdie on the first bonus 18th hole during the sudden death play-off with Justin Rose.

As well as earning a record £3.2 million in prize money and being handed the Masters trophy and green jacket, McIlroy now receives automatic qualification for the Masters each year after joining Jack Nicklaus, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Woods as the sixth member of the Grand Slam club.

Woods is a five-time winner of the Masters, having triumphed in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2019.

Only Nicklaus has won the Masters more than Woods and the 49-year-old was delighted to see McIlroy's incredible achievement.

Woods was not present at the Masters as he is recovering from surgery on his achilles tendon, but he posted a special message to McIlroy on his X account.

"Welcome to the club @McIlroyRory," he wrote.

"Completing the grand slam at Augusta is something special. Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re a part of history. Proud of you!"

Rory McIlroy finally won the Masters for the first time at Augusta. Image: Getty

How much will Rory McIlroy earn for winning the 2025 Masters?

The prize money for the 2025 Masters was the highest in history, with a pot of $21 million decided.

McIlroy is said to have collected $4.2m, a $600,000 increase on the $3.6 million Scottie Scheffler received for his first Masters win in 2024.

But while McIlroy has earned a record sum, it's expected that the final figure will be a lot lower because of a hefty tax bill which could total 42.39 per cent and around $1.2 million.

"Any prize money earned will be subject to US federal tax, the top rate of which is still 37 per cent," Paul Barham, head of international private client tax at Forvis Mazars, told the Daily Express.

"Golfers will also have to pay state tax in Georgia at 5.39 per cent.

"The US tax will be paid by all golfers playing at Augusta regardless of where they are tax resident and if they are a tax resident in the US, they shouldn't pay tax on this prize money in any other country."