Rory McIlroy was overcome with emotion after sealing back-to-back Masters titles in front of his parents.
Gerry and Rosie McIlroy were not at Augusta 12 months ago when their son finally ended his agonizing wait for a green jacket and completed the career grand slam.
But on Sunday evening, they were beside the 18th green with McIlroy’s wife, Erica, and his daughter, Poppy, when he sealed a one-shot victory.
On another rollercoaster Masters Sunday at Augusta, the Northern Irishman held off a host of rivals including Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton, Cameron Young and Justin Rose.
McIlroy then broke down as he paid tribute to his family in both the Butler Cabin and during the trophy presentation.
‘I’m so glad they got to experience this today, we’re all going to have a good time tonight,’ a choked-up McIlroy said. ‘I was a little kid with a dream and the support I have from my family, my friends and everyone back home… I can’t thank them all enough.’
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…’
The Northern Irishman said he ‘owes everything’ to his parents. ‘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.
McIlroy also thanked his wife, Erica, and his daughter, Poppy, for their support.
‘They have to put up with me at home and – trust me – at times, that’s a tough thing to do. But they’ve been my biggest supporters and this has definitely turned into Poppy’s favorite week of the year,’ he said.
