Rory McIlroy won the Masters after beating Justin Rose in a playoff on Sunday, having earlier been handed the green jacket by Tiger Woods following his fourth round

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(Image: ESPN)

Rory McIlroy shared a heartfelt moment with his wife, Erica Stoll, and their daughter, Poppy, after finally winning the Masters. His success at Augusta, a moment shared with his family throughout the week, marks a significant milestone for the world No.2 as he completed his career grand slam.

McIlroy, who had won four major titles early in his career, has long been on the hunt for a Masters win to complete his career Grand Slam – and become only the sixth man to manage the feat. But the elusive green jacket had always slipped through his fingers – while he suffered a heartbreaking near-miss at the 2024 U.S. Open.

For years he has battled golf’s demons, wondering if he would be forever doomed to fail at Augusta, having gone without a major for 11 years. However now, McIlroy has etched his name into golfing history.

Despite entering Sunday’s final round as the leader and holding a comfortable lead, McIlroy faltered on the back nine. He racked up several bogeys on a day of inconsistency, including one on the 18th hole when he missed a putt that would have sealed the win, finishing on 11-under par.

That left him tied with Justin Rose, taking the pair to a playoff that a clearly worried McIlroy could scarcely believe.

But despite needing words of encouragement from his caddie, and despite the pressure, McIlroy took a moment to share a quick kiss with Stoll and their daughter before heading to the 18th green for the playoff.

In the playoff, McIlroy delivered an exceptional second shot, setting himself up for a birdie putt – and the title.

Overwhelmed by his victory, McIlroy broke down in tears and embraced his caddie, Harry Diamond, before rushing over to Stoll. He planted a kiss on her cheek and gave her a hug before lifting Poppy into his arms. An emotional McIlroy was seen weeping as he held his daughter close in a touching display of emotion.

Rory McIlroy poses with daughter Poppy and wife Erica Stoll holding the Masters trophy(Image: Getty Images)

Stoll had caddied for McIlroy during Wednesday’s annual Masters par-three tournament, where they were spotted sharing a few tender moments. They also had an emotional celebration following McIlroy’s triumph at the Players Championship in March.

The pair made headline news nearly a year ago when McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife of seven years, just days before the US PGA Championship.

However, a month later, the couple announced they had reconciled their differences and would not be separating. Since then, their relationship has flourished, with McIlroy leaning on Stoll for support following his heart-wrenching loss at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

On his triumph at Augusta, McIlroy said: “My 17th time here. I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.

“The last 10 years coming with the burden of Grand Slam on my shoulders and trying to achieve that. I wonder what we are all going to talk about coming into next year. I am so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.

“All week I responded to setbacks and that’s what I’ll remember. I’m so proud of that and being able to bounce back. I would say it was 14 years in the making. Going out with a four-shot lead in 2011 and feeling like I could have got it done there. A lot of pent-up emotion came out on the 18th green.

“A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it. I want to say hello to mum and dad back in Northern Ireland. I can’t wait to see them next week and can’t wait to celebrate with them.”