Rory McIlroy invokes Nelson Mandela after emotional comeback award win

Jack Otway
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:40:05 +0000

Rory McIlroy received the Comeback of the Year honour at the Laureus Awards on Monday, describing his second accolade from the organisation as a "huge honour" for both himself and golf.

The Northern Irishman, who hails from Holywood, secured the prize following his career Grand Slam completion at Augusta last April, where he defeated Justin Rose in a sudden-death play-off to claim his maiden Masters title.

Upon accepting the award, the 36-year-old invoked Nelson Mandela's words, stating: "I also believe strongly in what Laureus stands for and the idea, as Nelson Mandela said, that sport has the power to change the world."

McIlroy reflected on the profound emotional significance of finally achieving the career Grand Slam, a feat that made him only the sixth golfer in history to capture all four major championships.

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"Completing the career Grand Slam was incredibly emotional. It's something I've been chasing for a long time, and it probably means more because of everything that came before it - the near misses, the setbacks, and the questions along the way," he said.

The four-time major winner acknowledged that the difficult path to Augusta glory formed an essential part of his story, adding: "That's a big part of the journey, and I'm grateful that this award recognises that."

McIlroy's triumph at Augusta earlier this month saw him successfully defend his title, finishing at 12 under-par to secure a second consecutive Green Jacket.

The victory placed him among golf's most elite company, becoming just the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters titles alongside Sir Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

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He saw off a formidable field that included world number one Scottie Scheffler, Russell Henley, Cameron Young, Tyrell Hatton and Rose, who had pushed him to a play-off the previous year.

The achievement marked a remarkable turnaround for a player who had previously endured years of near misses at Augusta National.

Reflecting on his consecutive victories, McIlroy expressed disbelief at the speed of his Augusta success after such a lengthy wait.

"I can't believe waited 17 years to get one Green Jacket and now I've got two in a row, it's just sort of the way," he said following his title defence.

The Holywood native credited his persistence at the tournament for finally yielding results, noting that his strongest play came during the opening rounds.

"I think all my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off," McIlroy added.

"It was a tough weekend, I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday, but just so so happy to hang in and get the job done."

McIlroy could add another major to his collection when the PGA Championship takes place next month.