AUGUSTA, Ga. — At 6:52 p.m. on Sunday, Rory McIlroy leaned down and kissed his daughter, Poppy, behind the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club. He had just missed a 5-foot putt to win the Masters, the tournament that’s eluded him his entire career and was eluding him again on Sunday. So en route to scoring to sign his card — before a playoff with Justin Rose — he stopped and kissed both his wife, Erica, and daughter, Poppy.
He was robbed of that family embrace on the green, but about 25 minutes later he got another chance.
After knocking a wedge to 4 feet on 18, he made the birdie putt on the first playoff hole and (finally) won his Masters. This time when Erica and Poppy greeted them, the coronation began and he celebrated as they joined him for the champion’s walk to scoring.
He received his green jacket in Butler Cabin and a few minutes later was back out near the 18th green for the official presentation. He thanked the club, the patrons and the volunteers. He called the Masters the best tournament in the world.
It had taken McIlroy 17 years to win the Masters, and it was his first major victory since 2014. Since then he had countless letdowns and close calls. But the tournament he wanted most of all — this one, the one he lost in heartbreaking fashion in 2011 — was finally his.
Lastly, he thanked his family and his team. His parents weren’t there, but Erica and Poppy were. He looked over at his 4-year-old daughter for his final message.
“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,” he said. “Keep coming back, keep working hard, and if you put your mind to it you can do anything. Love you.”
The patrons applauded and the ceremony ended. McIlroy went on his way. The newest Masters champ had a big night ahead.
