How Rory McIlroy & Daughter, Poppy, Won Hearts At The Masters 2025
Rory McIlroy celebrates his first green jacket win with his family at the Masters 2025
It was a Sunday to remember as Rory McIlroy finally claimed his first green jacket at the Masters 2025.
The five-time champion would finally put an end to his eleven-year-drought, with his last win being in the 2014 PGA tournament. Overwhelmed with delight after overcoming the hurdles, Rory fought back his tears while thanking his family during his winner’s speech. “My family, my team,” he starts. “They’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through. They know the burden I’ve carried to come here [to the tournament] every year and try and try and try again.”
He then ends his speech with a message to Poppy. “The one thing I would say to my daughter, Poppy, sitting over there: never give up on your dreams. Never ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back. Keep working hard, and if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”
The Masters 2025: A family affair
While families would usually just attend tournaments to offer emotional support, the Masters 2025 Par 3 switched things up by encouraging the players’ families to participate as caddies. Rory would then be joined by his four-year-old daughter, Poppy, and his wife, Erica Stoll, who worked with PGA America. The two also reconciled last June 2024, ending any discussion about their divorce.
“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning,” Rory revealed in an interview with the Guardian.
But his win wasn’t the only highlight. His daughter had her own moment, too! For the ninth hole, Rory faced a difficult downhill putt and called Poppy to hit it for him. She scores the shot, winning the hearts of those in the gallery and on the internet. Though, we’re pretty sure that at the end of it all, the only reward Poppy genuinely cared about was the big hug she got from her dad.
Celebrating the support system
Athletes invest a lot of time and money to become the best. But the trophy’s just a bonus. Celebrating the win with their families is probably the biggest and most invaluable prize they would ever have in a tournament. It makes the grueling days of training and losses all worth it. After all, a victory, no matter how big or small, is best celebrated with the team and family that supported you all the way.
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