Ken Griffey Jr. is not your typical behind-the-scenes photographer. Easily recognized as one of MLB’s all-time greats, with a slew of records to his name, “The Kid” has transitioned from the diamond to the lens, recently working at The Masters watching Rory McIlroy win.
During Rory McIlroy’s dramatic Masters victory and ascension to the career Grand Slam, Griffey Jr. was among the accredited photographers capturing official images. He was perfectly positioned to freeze the iconic moment when the Northern Irish golfer knelt on the green in celebration.
That remarkable photograph joins Griffey Jr.’s growing portfolio of sports moments, but this was a rare opportunity to document a historic achievement that occurs infrequently. The last golfer to complete the Grand Slam before Rory McIlroy did so 25 years prior, a time when Griffey Jr. was still starring in baseball.
Griffey Jr.’s Epic Shot: Capturing McIlroy’s Masters Moment
The powerful image was part of the official media pool for the tournament, with its licensing belonging to Getty Images, which features it on their official website alongside other photos taken by Griffey Jr. and his colleagues throughout the rounds and the playoff.
A search of Getty Images’ website indicates that The Masters was Griffey Jr.’s most recent credited photographic endeavor, at least as a contributor for that agency. He has also been seen working at MLB and NFL games; in 2023, he was photographed with his camera at a Cowboys-Eagles matchup.
Does Ken Griffey Jr. Play Golf?
Griffey Jr. appears to have a genuine passion for golf. Numerous online videos show him playing and practicing his swing, which likely retains some of the power he displayed on the baseball field. In 2024, he participated in “The Match: Superstars at The Breakers,” an exhibition event alongside other celebrities.
