Watching Rory at Augusta 'was rollercoaster in every way imaginable’

A SKRYNE couple who were in Augusta, Georgia, for the US Masters have said it was dream come true to be there as Rory McIlroy made history by completing his career grand slam.

Theresa and Sean Brennan are both members of Royal Tara Golf Club and a trip to the US Masters has long since been on their bucket list so it was already a dream come true for them both to visit the hallowed ground of Augusta, and one that was made all the sweeter as McIlroy won the tournament in nail-biting fashion in a play off against Englishman Justin Rose.

“It was so emotional, it was a rollercoaster in every way imaginable, “ said Theresa speaking from Georgia on Monday afternoon.

“It is impossible to explain what it was like. There were people everywhere, it was packed but it didn't seem like it was. There were queues everywhere but everything went so smoothly and the people were so nice.”

“Walking into the course was the most incredible feeling. For anyone who has an interest in golf, it is well worth the visit if you can do it. It is an amazing place. You have no idea looking on TV how hilly the course is. They are literally playing off the side of a hill and every green is undulated.”

Tickets are like gold dust and while Theresa and Sean had tickets for Saturday, they had to be content to watch the final day of the tournament on television in a local bar. On Saturday they first watched the practice rounds at Augusta and Theresa said all the players, including McIlroy and Shane Lowry, were literally just metres away.

Shane Lowry teed off first and they watched him on the first hole and went back for Rory McIlroy teeing off and crossed over and back between the two and both players shot great rounds that day.

“On Sunday we watched it in a local sports bar with about 40 screens, in Colombia, a town beside Augusta. The place was full. The atmosphere was amazing. The ups and downs, the roars, the shouts and the sighs, it was incredible,” said Theresa. When it came to the playoff, she said they could barely watch and it was a hugely emotional moment as McIlroy won and to watch him finally get to don the green jacket and complete his career grand slam.

No phones are allowed on the course, and this photo was taken by the official photographer outside the Founders Circle on front of the clubhouse.

“It was a dream come true. To be here and to be part of McIlroy finally making history was incredible”.