Comparing the accomplishments of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, of course, will ignite some kind of fire. While Tiger Woods’s 2019 Masters win was iconic and resonated way beyond the sport, his legacy would not have been harmed had he come up one stroke short. But for Rory McIlroy, everything was on the line. His win at the 2025 Masters overjoyed fans to tears and left broadcasters feeling exhilarated. “It really was human”—is what the iconic broadcaster, Jim Nantz, expressed when asked about McIlroy winning. And when Nantz weighs in, the golf world listens.
Tiger Woods’s 2019 Masters victory was, by all accounts, one of the most emotional comebacks in sports history. After years of injuries, surgeries, and personal struggles, Woods’s 15th major was an individual and public triumph. But for Jim Nantz, McIlroy’s victory signified something more profound.
In his decorated golf career, Nantz has witnessed all five of Woods’s Masters victories, “including the win for the ages in 1997,” where Woods won by a massive 12 shots just at the age of 21. He also witnessed Tiger Woods 2019 victory, “that no one saw him being able to win at that stage in his life and career,” but stated that watching McIlroy win “was a facsimile of like a way that life can be for all of us, ups and downs, coping with it, facing adversity, dealing with triumphs.” This year was Nantz’s 40th coverage of the Masters, and he felt that the way McIlroy played was “operatic.” He shared on The Rich Eisen Show.
Nantz’s poetic 7 words show just how impactful the win this year was for Rory. “This might have been the best story,” said Jim, but that does not imply that he feels it’s the greatest Masters—”I’m” not saying it’s the greatest Masters, but it’s definitely on my very top list and top three.” The last time before this, McIlroy won a major was in 2014. It took him 11 years to break the drought. These 11 years were not easy.
In 2021, he missed the cut, and then, the next year, he narrowly missed claiming the Green Jacket by three shots to Scottie Scheffler. In 2023, he missed the cut at Augusta, and in 2024, he finished in 22nd position. But that did not stop the fire in his belly and trying to achieve his goals. “There had been so many times you’d won it and lost it, and then after you had time to reflect on it,” Nantz spoke, as he emphasized the sheer resilience and tenacity that McIlroy has.
Dreams do come true. pic.twitter.com/6WiHrVIjNl
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) April 14, 2025
Going on for almost 11 years without claiming another major title, McIlroy was stuck on four and just one short of achieving his historical feat. But this year’s Masters win was not just about personal redemption or legacy; it was about progression, representation, and the evolution of golf’s global narrative. It resonates more because of how much this win meant to the golfing community and his fans, who have followed his journey through and through. Being personable and demonstrating a unique vulnerability, he’s captured the imagination of golfers like no other golfer has since Tiger Woods. Giving people the opportunity to experience something along the way is what makes him a great champion, and that is unique.
A moment of emotional release for Rory McIlroy
Woods’ return was a beautiful echo of the past, a rekindling of old glory. While emotionally resonant, it was a singular event. McIlroy’s win, on the other hand, was the elusive piece in his illustrious career. After sinking the winning putt, he was overcome with tears, implying that this was not just a professional milestone but an emotional release for him. The weight of this unfulfilled ambition had been a constant companion since his last major win in 2014, and achieving it was a testament to his fortitude. After his win, Rory has already confirmed his presence in Australia and India, showing just how he will be doing his part as a Grand Slam winner to promote golf.
Nantz’s commentary serves as a reminder that greatness in sports is not a single path — it’s a mosaic. For some, it’s about a triumphant return, while for others it’s about a steady ascent. While no one is trying to rewrite history, the sport needs new legends to keep the story moving forward.
And McIlroy’s story is one of the best that golf has seen in recent times. It’s almost like comparing their journeys to one of your favorite TV shows —where Woods’s 2019 win felt like the end of an era, a show that ended well. But McIlroy’s win is similar to a great season ending — there’s so much more to come. He’s already looking at his next chance to win again.
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