Masters champ Rory McIlroy shares golf dad tips with Jason Kelce

The 2025 Masters is remembered as a watershed moment for golf legend Rory McIlroy.

After years of close calls, McIlroy finally broke through to win the green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam.

But the most heartwarming moment at Augusta National that week came courtesy of McIlroy’s 4-year-old daughter Poppy. During the Par 3 Contest, she hit a 25-foot downhill putt, eliciting a roar from the gallery and celebrations from McIlroy and fellow Irish pro Shane Lowry.

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During a “New Heights” podcast premiere on Wednesday, May 6, McIlroy joined hosts Travis and Jason Kelce to discuss his career, including a repeat Masters title in 2026. He also took time to share golf dad tips with Jason Kelce, whose 6-year-old daughter, Wyatt, is taking up the game.

“To me, being a golfer, I don’t want Poppy to associate golf with me leaving and not spending time with her,” McIlroy said. “In terms of advice, just make it fun, whatever that means. Let them drive the golf cart. Have it be, ‘Ok, we go play golf and then go get ice cream.’ … Just so they have a positive experience and view of it.”

Dad, not coach

McIlroy then described a situation familiar to all dads. He told the Kelces that Poppy is content to take lessons from a golf pro for 40 minutes but can’t endure five minutes of putting tips from her father.

Jason Kelce, the former NFL center who provided commentary for ESPN during the 2026 Masters, asked McIlroy to assess Wyatt’s swing. He showed video of her first time on the driving range, ripping golf balls while wearing pink rain boots.

“I think the first thing I did with Poppy was try to grip the club properly. It looks like she’s got a pretty decent grip. Pretty good. Some potential,” McIlroy decided.