Masters champion Rory McIlroy celebrates 2nd win with touching tribute to his family

Two-time Masters champion Rory McIlroy walked off the 18th hole at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday after securing a rare repeat victory, immediately embracing his daughter, wife and parents to celebrate the momentous occasion.

The Northern Irish golf legend was seen gesturing to his 5-year-old daughter Poppy to come under the ropes following his win, giving her a big hug before sharing a kiss with his wife Erica and hugging his parents Rosie and Gerry McIlroy.

Mike Segar/Reuters - PHOTO: Rory McIlroy celebrates on the 18th green after winning The Masters in Augusta, Georgia, April 12, 2026.

After confirming his final score -- 12 under par, one shot better than his 2025 Masters victory -- McIlroy's family was all smiles as they watched Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Chairman Fred Ridley put the green jacket back on him.

Hector Vivas/Getty Images - PHOTO: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Masters trophy alongside father Gerry, mother Rosie, wife Erica and daughter Poppy winning The Masters in Augusta, Georgia, April 12, 2026.

In his speech during the trophy ceremony, McIlroy dedicated a passionate thank you to his family sitting in the front row.

"This is the hard part," he began while clearing his throat and becoming choked up. "First and foremost, my wife and daughter, Erica and Poppy, they have to put up with me at home, and trust me sometimes that's a tough thing to do. But they have been my biggest supporters."

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images - PHOTO: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with daughter Poppy and the Masters trophy after winning The Masters in Augusta, Georgia, April 12, 2026.

He said the Masters "has turned into Poppy's favorite week of the year."

"I don't know [if] it's because of the Par 3 tournament or it's the all-you-can-eat ice cream in the player services building," he joked.

Ashley Landis/AP - PHOTO: Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hugs his father Gerry McIlroy after winning the Masters golf tournament, April 12, 2026, in Augusta, Ga.

Turning his attention to his parents, he continued, "My mom and dad, they weren't here last year to celebrate with us, and surprisingly, I had to convince them to come this year, because they thought that the reason that I won was because they weren't here. So I'm glad that we proved that wrong."

McIlroy then said he owes "everything" to his mother and father, adding, "You're the most wonderful parents, and if I can be half the parent to Poppy that you were to me, then I know I've done a good job. Thank you."

Andrew Redington/Getty Images - PHOTO: Caddie Harry Diamond, father Gerry McIlroy, mother Rosie McIlroy, daughter Poppy and wife Erica Stoll watch as Rory McIlroy speaks during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning The Masters in Augusta, Georgia, April 12, 2026.

Rosie McIlroy was spotted in the crowd earlier in the day with a unique accessory to show support for her son, a handbag made with the newspaper headlines of Rory McIlroy's first Masters win last year.

Rory McIlroy cemented his place in history on Sunday, at the 90th Masters Tournament, becoming only the fourth player ever to win in consecutive years and successfully defend his title.

With his victory, he joins fellow back-to-back Masters Tournament winners Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.

McIlroy is also the fourth player in 40 years to hold a lead or co-lead after each round of the Masters, according to ESPN Research.