The Masters: McIlroy makes history to win first-ever title after a dramatic final day in Augusta

Rory McIlroy made history late last night (Sunday) by winning the Masters for the first time - and joining a small elite group of legendary golfers who have achieved career Grand Slams.

After a topsy-turvy tense final round in Augusta, the Holwyood star and Justin Rose both finished on a 11 under par.

That meant a play-off for the coveted title - the one that had eluded McIlroy for many years.

The World Number Two held his nerve and made a wonderful birdie to secure victory.

The win makes McIlroy the first player in a quarter of a century to complete the career grand slam and match the feats of Gene Sarazen (completed in 1935), Ben Hogan (1953), Gary Player (1965), Jack Nicklaus (1966) and Tiger Woods (2000).

Only Nick Faldo in 1990 and Woods in 2005 had previously come from seven behind after 18 holes to win, but McIlroy launched his comeback with a back nine of 31 in a Friday 66 and exploded out of the blocks with a record six consecutive threes to start another 66 on Saturday.

Throughout the final day, McIlroy made some astonishing shots including a stunning hooked approach to the par-five 15th to seemingly set up a decisive eagle.

However, he missed the putt from six feet and had to settle for a birdie to reclaim the lead until Rose holed from 20 feet on the last.

Then a A brilliant approach to the 17th set up what looked a decisive birdie for McIlroy, only to bogey the last after pushing his approach into a greenside bunker and missing from five feet for the title.

Onto the play-off and both men played excellent opening tee shots but it was McIlroy who finished off in style to claim the famous Green Jacket.

Afterwards, he got emotional and said his his tears of joy were "14 years in the making."

"This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if this would ever be my time," he said.

"I was sort of wondering what we were all going to talk about going into next year's Masters.

"I am so honoured and proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."

As he reflected on his achievement, he said he was looking forward to celebrating with his mum and dad.

"I want to say hello to my mum and dad - they are back home in Northern Ireland," he said. "I can't wait to see them next week and celebrate with them."