Rory McIlroy finally claimed Masters victory on Sunday and in an emotional victory speech had a message for his four-year-old daugher, Poppy, after accomplishing his life’s goal
Rory McIlroy told his daughter Poppy to “never give up on your dreams” in an emotional victory speech at the Masters. The Northern Irishman claimed the Green Jacket at Augusta National to complete the career Grand Slam.
McIlroy saw off Justin Rose in a play-off after a chaotic final round that had seen him lead by four shots at one stage, but also give up the lead all together. The 35-year-old went into Sunday leading and chasing the only Major that had eluded him.
His Major drought dated back 11 years to his 2014 victory at the US PGA Championship but McIlroy finally ridded of his demons with his wife, Erica Stoll, and their little girl both present to cheer him on.
In the moments after McIlroy won he sunk to the ground before going to find his wife and daughter in the crowd, sharing a moment with them both, and he then had a message for his four-year-old daughter as he gave an emotional victory speech that saw him choke back the tears.
He said: “The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy 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. Love you.”
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McIlroy had to endure a decade of heartache as he continued to come up short in Majors, and particularly the Masters, which was the tournament he craved more than any other. Second was the best he could muster with the Northern Irishman admitting he doubted whether he’d ever pull it off.
He said: “I started to wonder if it would ever be my time. The past 10 years [I’ve been] coming with the burden of the Grand Slam on my shoulders and trying to achieve that. I am so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion. It’s been very difficult. And not just about winning my next major, but the career Grand Slam.”
His daughter Poppy had made headlines before the Masters began on Thursday as she sank an incredible birdie putt during the Par 3 Contest. McIlroy and his close friend, Shane Lowry, were on the green as the youngster’s putt trickled towards the ninth hole before eventually dropping, resulting in huge cheers from the patrons.
McIlroy joked on Saturday, before making history with a stunning start to his third round, that he’d prepared by relaxing and watching children’s films with Poppy.
He said: “I watched a little bit of Premier League football this morning, and then I actually watched ‘Zootopia’ with Poppy. (It’s a) very, very good movie if anyone’s interested.”
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