McIlroy's illustrious career has featured plenty of success, but reaching ultimate glory was only going to come through a level of agony

But finally, McIlroy has claimed his green jacket. It took him 72 holes plus a one-hole playoff against Justin Rose, it took him multiple collapses and resuscitations, but at last, McIlroy is a Masters champion, once again a major winner, and now one of the six men with a career grand slam, the first since Tiger Woods in 2000.

Rory McIlroy has endured plenty of anguishing moments while seeking to snap a decade-long drought in major championships. That made celebrating Sunday's win at the Masters with his caddie and longtime friend Harry Diamond all the more special.