Pundit Arena Because Sport Is Everything
Rory McIlroy was the last man standing yesterday at TPC Sawgrass after a Sunday filled with riveting drama that saw him take home the Players Championship.
Despite the poor start, the County Down man can now add Golf’s most lucrative tournament to his long list of achievements so far.
Following the win, a huge amount of stars of the sporting world rolled in to congratulate McIlroy on his victory.
First up was Welsh wizard and Real Madrid star, Gareth Bale.
Unbelievable @McIlroyRory! Well done on winning @THEPLAYERSChamp mate. 👌🏼⛳ @PGATOUR pic.twitter.com/L5mzrOEDYo
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) March 17, 2019
Arguably golf’s greatest player, Jack Nicklaus, was next up to congratulate McIlroy, while also sending his congratulations to the 49-year-old Jim Furyk, who narrowly lost out as McIlroy pipped him to the post.
Deservedly we celebrate @McIlroyRory but pause to congratulate @jimfuryk! Such fantastic play & finish by great friend, major champ, @MemorialGolf winner, global ambassador!
Jim, know you would've loved to finish on top in backyard but Barbara & I are so proud and happy for you! https://t.co/SnlXoiXw7z— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) March 17, 2019
Nicklaus also recounted a conversation he had with McIlroy nine years ago. A fantastic insight into the relationship between two transcending characters of golf.
9 years ago this month had opportunity to sit w/ winless 20-yr-old @McIlroyRory & talk “patience.” Soon after, he shot a Sunday 62 at @QuailHollow for 1st @PGATOUR win. Today Rory showed great discipline & patience down stretch to win @THEPLAYERSChamp! Very proud & happy for him!
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) March 17, 2019
Match of the day host and former England star, Gary Lineker was in next to pass on his wishes to Rory, describing his performances as ‘ballsy’.
Sensational stuff from @McIlroyRory. The Players Champion. Ballsy and brilliant. Congratulations 👏👏👏
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 17, 2019
From one Irish legend to another, AP McCoy rides in behind McIlroy.
Well done @McIlroyRory #PlayersChampion #StPatrickDay ☘️☘️
— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) March 17, 2019
Fellow European players, Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari offered their congratulations on McIlroy’s success.
68 final round T8 – Great fun playing with @PepperellEddie today and what a putt on 17! Congratulations @McIlroyRory on the 🏆 I counted 62 eagles this week – a great performance for a fantastic cause. Close to 100K books donated to @BookTrustUSA by @MorganStanley #EagleUp pic.twitter.com/oJ8EockRuO
— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) March 17, 2019
Well done @McIlroyRory, no one deserved it more with the way you’ve been playing this year. A fitting champion for @THEPLAYERSChamp
— Francesco Molinari (@F_Molinari) March 17, 2019
Finally, the man himself sends out a message to his followers after winning golf’s fifth major.
Such a great week at @theplayerschamp! Proud of the way I battled Saturday and Sunday. Thanks for the support on a very special St. Patrick's Day! 💚💚💚 pic.twitter.com/i8oy5C8sla
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) March 17, 2019
What a St. Patrick’s Day for McIlroy and a what a win heading in Golf’s major season.
