When Rory McIlroy clinched his second Players Championship in a dramatic playoff victory over J.J. Spaun, he shared a heartwarming moment with his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy cheering him on from the sidelines.
The triumph marks a significant personal and professional milestone for the Northern Irishman, who experienced a turbulent 2024 that included a highly publicised near-divorce.
The world number two golfer secured his 28th PGA Tour victory in a three-hole playoff, scoring 14 against Spaun's 17.
Following his win, McIlroy shared a meaningful kiss with Stoll, highlighting their reconciliation after last year's relationship difficulties.
Rory McIlroy went over to his wife and daughter after winning the Players Championship
Reuters
The victory comes as the couple continue to rebuild their relationship after calling off divorce proceedings in June 2024.
McIlroy's four-year-old daughter Poppy made headlines of her own by presenting her father with a red flower after his victory.
"Poppy picked it for me. She gave it to me just after I won," McIlroy explained. "I think there was one more flower in it but it disintegrated in my back pocket."
The touching moment came after a challenging period for the McIlroy family.
News of their marital troubles had erupted during last year's PGA Championship.
By June 2024, however, the couple had decided to reconcile.
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Their public display of affection following Sunday's win served as a visible confirmation that the family has turned a corner.
McIlroy reflected on his victory with pride, saying: "I am unbelievably proud and happy to win my second Players."
The win held special significance for the Northern Irishman. "It's the third time I've won on St Patrick's Day. It's been a good luck charm for me," he added.
Rory McIlroy shared a kiss with wife Erica Stoll after his golfing triumph
Reuters
The playoff might have been avoided had McIlroy not bogeyed the final two holes after a birdie on the 16th.
"Standing over that tee shot on 16 this morning is the most nervous I've been in a long time," he admitted.
Despite the pressure, McIlroy held his nerve when it mattered most to secure the prestigious title.
McIlroy described the mental challenge of performing under pressure: "So feeling like that and being able to hit the shots that I needed, while your stomach is sort of not feeling great and your legs are a little shaky and your heart rate is racing..."
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Rory McIlroy is hoping to take his form into The Masters next month
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"To have to go through that, it's nice to have that in recent memory for some of the tournaments coming up."
His focus now shifts to the Masters, scheduled for April 7-13.
The 35-year-old placed 22nd at Augusta last year and missed the cut in 2023.
Despite his impressive career achievements, McIlroy is still pursuing his first green jacket at the prestigious tournament.
