Rory McIlroy, after clinching the Masters and completing a career Grand Slam, was spotted sharing an intimate moment with Kate Rose, wife of his rival Justin Rose. This gesture highlighted the close bond between the two top finishers at Augusta. McIlroy's victory was an emotional one, having waited over a decade to secure all four majors following his Open and US PGA wins in 2014. His emotions were palpable as he shared a lengthy embrace and exchanged words with friend Kate.

The final day at Augusta proved to be a rollercoaster for McIlroy. Bryson DeChambeau was his main competitor at the start of the day, but  Rose surged into contention with a final round 66. Both McIlroy and Rose could have secured victory without a play-off, but they ended up tied on -11 for the weekend. After Rose missed a birdie putt, McIlroy seized the opportunity to exorcise the ghosts of his previous near-misses.

Following his triumph, the 35-year-old McIlroy shared a touching moment with his wife Erica and daughter Poppy. His subsequent embrace with Kate came after Justin's own show of sportsmanship towards his victor.

Rose expressed his respect for one of golf's greatest moments, saying: "I just said, listen, this is a historic moment in golf, isn't it, someone who achieves the career Grand Slam. I said it was pretty cool to be able to share that moment with him. Obviously I wanted to be the bad guy today, but still, it's a momentous occasion for the game of golf."

McIlroy, overwhelmed by the magnitude of his achievement, shared a tender message: "The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy over there, Never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back, keep working hard, and if you put your mind to it you can do anything. Love you.

"The last 10 years coming with the burden of Grand Slam on my shoulders and trying to achieve that. I wonder what we are all going to talk about coming into next year. I am so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.

"All week I responded to setbacks and that's what I'll remember. I'm so proud of that and being able to bounce back. I would say it was 14 years in the making. Going out with a four-shot lead in 2011 and feeling like I could have got it done there. A lot of pent-up emotion came out on the 18th green.

"A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it. I want to say hello to mum and dad back in Northern Ireland. I can't wait to see them next week and can't wait to celebrate with them."