Rory McIlroy broke down as he spoke about his parents in his first interview after becoming the first European men’s player to complete a career grand slam of golf’s major
Rory McIlroy has secured his place in golfing history, becoming just the sixth player ever to complete the career Grand Slam after a dramatic and emotional four rounds at The Masters. Overcome with emotion during his post-victory interview, the Northern Irishman, 35, broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his parents – to complete the career Grand Slam – thanking them for the sacrifices they made to support his journey.
McIlroy’s parents were not at Augusta, instead watching from back home in Northern Ireland. McIlroy choked up as he discussed their absence, saying: “I think I would say it was 14 years in the making from going out with a four-shot lead in 2011. Feel like I could’ve got it done there and, yeah, there was a lot of pent-up emotion that just came out on that 18th green.
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“But a moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it. I want to say hello to my mum and dad; they’re back home in Northern Ireland.” McIlroy then became visibly emotional, before presenter Jim Nantz interjected: “They made a lot of sacrifices for you.”
The five-time major champion attempted to fight back tears as he responded: “They did. And I can’t wait to see them next week. I just can’t wait to celebrate this with them.”
To fund his golfing ambitions, McIlroy’s parents took on extra jobs. Gerry worked 100 hours a week; he cleaned toilets and showers at a local sports club in the mornings, served as a bartender at Holywood Golf Club from 12pm to 6pm, then returned to the sports club to work behind the bar in the evenings.
Rosie looked after Rory during the day, and worked night shifts packaging rolls of tape at a 3M factory in Bangor, County Down. Due to their conflicting schedules, McIlroy’s parents rarely saw each other during this period.
Gerry later said: “I had no idea what else to do. I’m a working-class man. We wanted to give our only child a chance.”
In addition, they gave up family vacations for over a decade. Their unwavering commitment became the bedrock of Rory’s remarkable journey in golf.
Gerry, 65, is a skilled golfer in his own right, with a scratch handicap at Holywood Golf Club. Rory was introduced to golf at a very young age—his father even took him to the driving range while he was still in a pram.
By the time he was 21 months old, he had his first plastic golf club in hand and quickly became obsessed with the sport. Rosie and Gerry’s support wasn’t just financial; it was personal.
Rory has often described his parents as his “best friends.” In 2017, he shared: “I’m an only child, so I was always very close to them. They’re like my best friends. I can tell them anything, lean on them, ask them for advice.”
After finding success as a professional golfer, McIlroy bought his parents a house in 2009, and stated: “I’ll never be able to repay Mum and Dad for what they did, but at least they know they’ll never have to work another day. I’ll do whatever it takes to look after them.”
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