Back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy was delighted to have his parents at Augusta National to witness his triumph after they missed out a year ago.
Mum Rosie and dad Gerry were back home in Northern Ireland when he completed the career grand slam 12 months ago and he admitted they had doubts about flying over for his defence.
But they were rewarded with a one-stroke victory as he secured his sixth major.
“It’s only the second major win my mum’s been at, she was at The Open in Hoylake in 2014,” he said.
“There was a piece of them that didn’t want to come this year after not being here last year but I’m so glad they got to experience this today.
“I can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket and now I get two in a row.
“I think all of my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off.
“It was a tough weekend. I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday, but I’m just so happy to hang in there and get the job done.”
PA
