Everything Rory McIlroy said after winning the Masters once again | Golf | Sport
Rory McIlroy is now a two-time Masters champion (Image: Getty)
Rory McIlroy will get to keep his Green Jacket for another year after he went back-to-back at the Masters on Sunday. The Northern Irishman became only the fourth golfer in history to retain the title at Augusta National.
Only 12 months ago, McIlroy was in floods of tears as he triumphed over Justin Rose in a tense Masters play-off, finally sealing a career Grand Slam after years of close calls. But as he approached the 18th green this time around, there was a subdued joy about the 36-year-old. Having taken a six-shot lead into the third round, McIlroy was soon caught up, and he had to be on his A-game on the final day at Augusta. That was exactly what McIlroy found, recovering from an early double-bogey to put himself two strokes ahead of Scottie Scheffler with one hole to play.
An errant shot off the tee couldn’t scupper his title hopes and he donned his green jacket once more. Express Sport takes a look at everything the Northern Irishman has said in the wake of his victory.
Message for the fans
During the broadcast of McIlroy’s feat, footage of supporters back home at his local Holywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland was constantly shown. There were scenes of jubilation when that final putt was made. Asked immediately after his win if he had a message for his fans, McIlroy said: “Just thank you for all the support. I was a little kid with a dream.
“The support that I had from my family and my friends and everyone back home… some people probably thought it was outlandish to dream of the things I wanted to do. But I had amazing support from back home and I can’t thank them all enough for that continued support.
“I can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket and now I get two in a row. All of my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off. It was a tough weekend. I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday. I’m just so, so happy to hang in there and get the job done.”
The Northern Irishman thanked those who have supported him (Image: Getty)
Tearful family admission
McIlroy also spoke about his mother and father, who were in attendance at Augusta National to watch their son go back-to-back. He said: “My mum and dad, they weren’t here last year to celebrate with us.
“Surprisingly, I had to convince them to come this year, because they thought the reason I won was that they weren’t here. I’m glad we proved that wrong.”
Erica Stoll and Poppy in the limelight
His daughter, Poppy, got a mention as he spoke after the win. The two embraced at the 18th once again and wife Erica Stoll was also thanked. McIlroy said: “First and foremost, my wife and daughter, Erica and Poppy. They have to put up with me at home, and trust me, sometimes that’s a tough thing to do.
“But they have been my biggest supporters, and this has definitely turned into Poppy’s favourite week of the year. I don’t know if it’s because of the Par 3 Tournament, or all you can eat ice cream in the players’ services building.”
McIlroy’s family watched on during his win (Image: Getty)
Joke to officials
McIlroy was in a jovial mood to begin his official ceremony speech, admitting: “My parting message last year was ‘I can’t wait to come back next year and put the green jacket on myself.’
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“I wasn’t quite correct, because the chairman did it, but I did want to come back and prove that last year wasn’t a fluke,” he continued.
“This is an absolutely incredible golf tournament, so unique in so many ways. The Masters continues to be the shining light of the majors, and I’m so honoured and thrilled to win for the second time.”
