Rory McIlroy was visibly emotional as he celebrated his second consecutive Masters victory, a triumph witnessed by his parents, Gerry and Rosie McIlroy, who had missed his previous year’s win at Augusta.
Last year, McIlroy ended his long quest for the elusive green jacket, completing his career grand slam. However, this time, his parents were by his side, standing with his wife, Erica, and daughter, Poppy, near the 18th green when he clinched the title by a single shot.
Overcome with gratitude, McIlroy tearfully acknowledged his parents during both the Butler Cabin ceremony and the trophy presentation.
“I’m so glad they could be here to witness this today. We’re going to have an incredible evening together,” McIlroy said, his voice filled with emotion. “I was just a kid with a dream, and the support I’ve received from my family, friends, and everyone back home has been incredible.”
He continued, “Some might have thought my dreams were far-fetched, but the unwavering support from home made them possible. I can’t thank everyone enough for standing by me.”
Rory McIlroy was overcome with emotion after sealing a Masters victory in front of his parents
Gerry and Rosie McIlroy were not at Augusta 12 months ago when he won his first green jacket
On another rollercoaster Masters Sunday, the Northern Irishman held off a host of rivals
‘Some people probably thought it was outlandish to dream the things that I wanted to do. but I had amazing support from back home, and can’t thank them all enough for that continued support.’
He added: ‘My mum and dad – they weren’t here last year to celebrate with us and surprisingly I had to convince them to come this year because they thought the reason I won was because they weren’t here… I’m glad we proved that wrong, so they can keep coming as long as they want.’
McIlroy has now won six majors but this was only the second time his mother witnessed it in person. Twelve years ago, she was at Hoylake for his Open Championship triumph.
‘There was a piece of them that didn’t want to come this year because they thought, okay, we didn’t come last year; maybe that was the reason,’ he said.
‘I caught myself on the golf course a couple of times thinking about them, and I was like: “No, not yet, not yet.” It’s really cool to have them here.
‘They missed it last year, and the first thing I wanted to do was fly home to see them because I obviously wouldn’t be sitting up here if it wasn’t for them… it’s amazing to have them here. I’m excited to celebrate with them tonight.’
The Northern Irishman said he ‘owes everything’ to his mom and dad. ‘You are the most wonderful parents and if I can be half the parent to Poppy that you’ve been to me then I know I’ve done a good job,’ he said.
After holing the winning putt, McIlroy was greeted by his wife, Erica Stoll, and his five-year-old daughter, Poppy.
After walking off the green, he first hugged his daughter, Poppy, to celebrate the victory
McIlroy then kissed and embraced his wife, Erica Stoll, after winning the Masters
In a heartwarming, emotional moment, the back-to-back Masters champion hugged his daughter by the 18th green. And a few minutes later, he thanked both Poppy and Erica for their support.
‘They have to put up with me at home and – trust me – at times, that’s a tough thing to do,’ McIlroy said.
‘But they’ve been my biggest supporters and this has definitely turned into Poppy’s favorite week of the year.’
The Northern Irishman has now joined Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Sir Nick Faldo as the only men to win successive green jackets.
McIlroy ended on 12-under-par – one shot ahead of Scheffler, with Hatton and Rose among several player one stroke further back.
McIlroy, who secured victory with a final-round 71, added: ‘I can’t believe I waited 17 years to win one green jacket and now I have two in a row. It was a tough weekend… I’m just so happy to hang in there and get the job done.’
