Rory McIlroy finally won The Masters and completed his golf grand slam.

But a former three-time Masters champ also had an emotional breakthrough on Sunday.

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Nick Faldo followed McIlroy’s career-changing triumph with a congratulatory social media post that reflected on his relationship with the young ‘whippersnapper.’

Faldo also revealed that McIlroy put him through a ‘wringer of emotions in the commentary box’ while calling the final round on TV for Sky Sports.

“So pleased for @rorymcilroy, and proud to have known him all these years,” Faldo posted.

But it was Faldo’s live TV commentary that drew the most attention.

As McIlroy battled back to defeat Justin Rose in a one-hole sudden-death playoff — and keep Bryson DeChambeau at arm’s length — the Northern Ireland golfer broke his Masters curse and became overcome with emotion.

So did Faldo, who unleashed a torrent of emotion on air.

“I can’t speak, I’m done,” Faldo said. “Unbelievable.”

That was just the start from a 67-year-old who won The Masters in 1989, ’90 and ’96.

“I want to give him a smack round the face for that – and a big kiss!” Faldo said.

“I’m not sure he could care less! He has just climbed Everest and I’m not sure you have another go just yet.

x@Sir_NickFaldo

Faldo posted an emotional photo of himself while congratulating McIlroy[/caption]

Getty Images – Getty

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McIlroy waited more than a decade to complete his grand slam at The Masters[/caption]

“Will it rekindle a man to have a second career and win more? I honestly don’t know but what he has achieved is phenomenal.”

“We have seen the most amazing piece of history ever. We are honoured to have been here to see it.”

Golf fans were divided on Faldo’s commentary, with some saying the three-time Masters champ was clearly rooting against DeChambeau.

“Nick Faldo is about two holes away from telling Bryson DeChambeau to retire,” one fan tweeted.

“Nick Faldo’s obvious disdain for how Bryson DeChambeau plays golf is highly entertaining,” a second fan wrote.

Other fans thanked Faldo for incisive analysis that peeled back the curtain on how hard it is to play — and win — The Masters.

“Sir Nick, your commentary on Sky last night was your best work – EVER,” one fan tweeted. “Your insight is unsurpassed, your ability to share what Rory was going through was outstanding. Please keep coming back. You are hugely under appreciated, in my view.”

“One of the best final rounds of golf I’ve seen,” a second fan wrote. “I loved the coverage and your commentary. It was a Hollywood blockbuster storyline!”

Faldo was so blown away by the final story on Sunday that he connected McIlroy with Tiger Woods‘ iconic comeback win at the 2019 Masters.

“When Tiger Woods won here in 2019 I said that scene would never be topped,” Faldo said.

“But I was wrong. This tops it.

“For a man to do that after what he went through for 11 years – Rory is a legend now. He is 35 years old and a legend. How about that?!”

“It is a remarkable achievement.”

Before McIlroy held off Rose and avoided another painful Augusta collapse, Faldo reflected on his own Masters titles.

“A couple of years back, I was looking at my trophy cabinet and it was a weird feeling,” Faldo exclusively told talkSPORT.

“Because it was like, well, that was him and this is me.”