Home/Golf
feature-image
feature-image

Indeed, it was an emotional moment for Rory McIlroy, who fell to his knees, tossed the putter and raised his hands in the air with tears in his eyes. What more can a player expect on the golf course after achieving a feat that many desire? It was the day for him. He didn’t disappoint, delivering his best and claiming the Masters. And this beautiful moment has crossed the boundaries of sports. Baseball legend Chipper Jones took to his X handle to make an emotional confession for McIlroy right after he joined the Grand Slam club.

As if Rory McIlroy let the weight from his shoulders finally fall after this dramatic win on Sunday. His reward puts an end to several questions that have loomed over him as a shadow since he came to the Augusta National 10 years back.

While McIlroy’s emotions will take time to settle in, Chipper Jones sends a heartfelt message, Wanna take this opportunity to congratulate @McIlroyRory on the greatest of golf’s achievements. Had tears in my eyes watching you finally get the grand slam. You are an all-timer… Love watching greatness…. Saw greatness today!”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Wonder how the event unfolded that is driving in praise for McIlroy crossing the golf arena?

Rory McIlroy managed to beat Justin Rose in the one-hole playoff after trying to acquire all four golf majors. “I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember,” McIlroy shared, indicating his dream that turned into a debacle back in 2011. He still remembers the back-nine collapse in the final round of the game at Augusta. However, bad days do not remain forever, and neither does a good player who commits the same mistake again.

History didn’t repeat, as McIlroy’s excellent approach shot in the playoff enabled a short birdie putt, eventually winning the Grand Slam. And he knew well that he had done it.

No wonder the emotional scenes tell it all—now everyone feels just like Chipper Jones. There were tears of happiness, and it felt like it was worth it. McIlroy grew up watching Tiger Woods, his long-time idol and favorite, whose approach made him believe that he also can. After years of several highs and lows, McIlroy finally claimed the Masters, joining the elite list with Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus.

What’s your perspective on:

Rory McIlroy finally joins the legends—does this cement his status as a golf icon?

Have an interesting take?

Rory McIlroy, you are finally immortal and maybe even a golf legend! Isn’t he?

And McIlroy’s grand slam achievement takes us down memory lane, and we can’t help ourselves from thinking about Chipper Jones’ achievements throughout his career.

Grand slam record takes us down to reminiscing about Chipper Jones’ Hall of Fame 

Chipper Jones had a stellar record with the Atlanta Braves as an infielder. In his 19-year career, Jones managed to post 468 home runs and 2726 hits along with 1512 walks and 1409 strikeouts. Not only was he named an All-Star eight times in his career, but he was also nominated five times for the NL MVP. Of course, not to forget his World Series win in 1995 against the Cleveland Indians.

While the stats and records might look great for a player of his mettle, he had his own share of downfalls, too. His 2009 season is considered the worst, with a batting average of .264 (career-lowest), 18 HRs, and 71 runs. This season faced his worst fielding percentage, too (.930). At one point, he even wanted to retire. But his belief in “Just stay the course,” as he advised the Braves, brought him back stronger. And finally, in 2012, he retired.

He was one of the best switch-hitters and the biggest needle for the Mets during his time. After a 4-3 victory against the NYM in 1999, he didn’t hold back on poking a finger at them: “his is the next best thing to a World Series win. … Now, all the Mets fans can go home and put their Yankees’ stuff on. You know they’re all going to convert.” Classic Jones.

article-image

Despite all the back-and-forth lashes, the Mets fans did give him a warm farewell during his last appearance in the Big Apple in 2012. And that is probably the biggest achievement for a player – over any award or title! Don’t you think?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Tbh, Jones was a late bloomer. He won his first batting title when he was 36 years old, batting at an average of .364 and .470 OBP. But his 468 home runs still remain one of the highest in the NL hit by a switch hitter. Not just awards, the humble nature of Jones has won hearts. “All you ever want as a baseball player is the respect of your peers, whether it’s the people you play against or the people you play with. I can honestly say I have that, that it’s probably what I’m most proud of,” shared Chipper Jones.

His skills, performance, and his entire character were a celebration in itself. But the recognition doesn’t stop there. Because in 2018, Jones made it to Cooperstown and was elected a Hall of Famer on his first ballot only. Shows how popular he was!

Now, as a former Atlanta Braves legend, he feels bad for the team, which had a terrible start to this season. They are currently at 2-0 with one of the worst possible offenses in MLB right now. They have been batting at a poor average of just .193 and a .577 OPS. You’re seeing them miss having Spencer Strider in the starting rotation. You’re seeing them miss having Ronald Acuña Jr. at the top of the lineup,” Jones said, highlighting the absence of the two players causing such a decline in the Braves’ performance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

But hope never fades for Jones. And he looks forward to the team turning things around soon. Do you agree with the MLB prodigy here? Keep sharing your thoughts with us…

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Rory McIlroy finally joins the legends—does this cement his status as a golf icon?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT