Emotional moment Rory McIlroy breaks down in tears on live TV as he pays tribute to his mum and dad after Masters win
RORY McILROY broke down in tears on live TV as he paid an emotional tribute to his mum and dad after winning the Masters.
The Northern Ireland star finally ended his Augusta hoodoo with a dramatic playoff win over Justin Rose.
McIlroy’s birdie saw him make up for missing a par putt in regulation.
And after completing a career Grand Slam, he dropped to the ground in jubilation.
McIlroy had already won the US Open, The Open and two US PGA Championships before 2015.
It now makes him just the sixth golf star, and the first European, to win the Slam after Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.
But the emotion of finally winning the Masters showed again when McIlroy collected his green jacket from last year’s winner Scottie Scheffler.
In a heart-wrenching interview, the ace broke down as he thanked mum Rosie and dad Gerry for all the sacrifices they made in his childhood.
McIlroy revealed his parents watched the win from their home in Northern Ireland.
And the ace declared he could not wait to return there to celebrate with them next week.
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With tears in his eyes, McIlroy said: “I would say it was 14 years in the making, going out with a four-shot lead in 2011, you’re feeling like I could have got it done there.
“There was a lot of pent-up emotion that came out on that 18th green.
Masters 2025
RORY McILROY finally won the Masters to complete an epic Grand Slam after YEARS of waiting.
The fans’ favourite fell to his knees and roared in celebration after beating Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off.
McIlroy later broke down in an emotional TV interview as he said: “A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.”
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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.
“They did (make a lot of sacrifices). I can’t wait to see them next week. Just can’t wait to celebrate this with them.”
McIlroy’s parents both took up second jobs when he was a kid to help fund his dream, with his mum working graveyard shifts in a factory.
His father Gerry was the one who introduced McIlroy to golf after taking him to a driving range when he was still in a stroller.
McIlroy revealed previously that their support meant “we didn’t take a family holiday for over a decade.”
He also spoke of their close bond, revealing: “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.”
He also said: “I’ll never be able to repay them for what they did for me.
“But at least I know they’ll never have to work another day. I’ll do whatever it takes to look after them.”