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 that they got to experience this today. We’re all going to have a great time tonight,’ a choked-up McIlroy said. ‘I was a little kid with a dream, and the support that I have from my family, my friends, everyone back home…’
‘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 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.
After holing the winning putt, McIlroy was greeted by his wife, Erica Stoll, and his five-year-old daughter, Poppy.
In a heartwarming, emotional moment, the back-to-back Masters champion hugged his daughter by the 18th green. 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 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 his sixth career major 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.’
