Rory McIlroy given 'lifetime exemption' for winning Masters as full list of exclusive winners' perks revealed

Winning a major championship can unlock doors for the world's top golfers, sometimes literally.

Rory McIlroy laid to rest the ghosts of Masters past to knock in a steely birdie in the first hole of a sudden-death play-off against England's Justin Rose, winning his first championship at Augusta and completing a career Grand Slam in the process.

After 11 years without winning a major and 14 years on from his infamous collapse on the last day of the 2011 Masters, it was an emotional conclusion to a thrilling weekend at the notoriously exclusive Augusta National Golf Club.

McIlroy now has the green jacket he so craved.

But when it comes to the perks and benefits of being a Masters winner, the jacket is just the start.

According to an Instagram reel from Sky Sports, there are perks and privileges aplenty.

Yes, the green jacket is the most important reward and comes with the Masters trophy, a gold medal, and all that Augusta has to offer.

That includes a lifetime exemption to compete in the Masters every year come rain or shine, as well as a five-year exemption to play in The Open Championship, the US Open and the PGA Championship.

That brings prize money too but let's not focus on that.

As the winner of the 2025 Masters, McIlroy will also be gifted membership of the PGA Tour for five years with guaranteed starts and full player status.

Masters champions become honorary lifetime members of the Augusta National, "giving them access to the most exclusive golf club in the world."

Scottie Scheffler presents Rory McIlroy with the iconic Augusta green jacket after the 2025 Masters (Image: The Masters)

McIlroy still won't be allowed to use his mobile phone on the course or take home a beer cup full of sand from the bunkers, but this is Augusta we're talking about.

The Northern Irishman is the toast of sport today after a riveting finish to his first Masters success.

In all, 35-year-old McIlroy has now won five majors, including two PGA Championships.

Sunday's Masters win made him only the sixth player in history to achieve a career Grand Slam.

With Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the other five, McIlroy is in exalted company.