Four-year-old Poppy McIlroy stole the show at Augusta National on Wednesday, sinking an incredible putt during the Masters Par-3 Contest.
The daughter of Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy displayed remarkable skill on the ninth hole, tapping the ball with precision that suggested those expert golfer genes run strong in the family.
Her successful putt triggered wild celebrations from proud father Rory and fellow golfer Shane Lowry.
The heartwarming moment delighted the crowd who cheered enthusiastically for the youngster's achievement.
Rory McIlroy's daughter Poppy sunk an incredible putt on Wednesday
The Masters
Poppy was participating in the traditional curtain-raiser event alongside her father, who is among the favourites for this year's Masters tournament.
The excitement appeared to momentarily overwhelm little Poppy, who quickly sought comfort in her father's arms after the crowd's enthusiastic response.
In touching scenes, Rory immediately comforted his daughter, scooping her up for a reassuring embrace.
The tender father-daughter moment captured the hearts of spectators at Augusta.
Poppy had earlier been spotted holding her father's putter above her head during the Par-3 event, clearly enjoying her time in the spotlight.
The McIlroys were joined by the families of Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood for the competition.
The McIlroy family's united appearance at Augusta comes after a period of personal turbulence for the golf star.
Last year, McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll just before the 2024 PGA Championship.
However, the couple, who married in 2017, called off their separation weeks later before the US Open at Pinehurst.
"Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together," McIlroy said at the time.
Rory McIlroy's daughters played on the course during the much-loved Par-3 contest
Reuters
The couple reportedly held secret meetings at their £17.2million Florida home, initially focusing on co-parenting Poppy before deciding to reconcile.
Wednesday's Par-3 competition saw Stoll acting as caddie for McIlroy, who was visibly wearing his wedding ring.
McIlroy enters this year's Masters with high hopes, chasing his first major victory in 11 years.
His form appears promising after winning last month's Players Championship, where he celebrated with his family at TPC Sawgrass.
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Poppy McIlroy converts the lengthy putt on No. 9! #themasters pic.twitter.com/6Vfkfxm3v7
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2025
Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll have put on a united front at The Masters
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After that victory, Poppy joined her father on the final green in touching scenes.
Following his DP World Tour Championship win in Dubai late last year, McIlroy acknowledged personal challenges.
"To have Erica and Poppy here, it means a lot," he said. "It's the first one they've been at in a while."
He added: "Their support means the world to me and to be able to show Poppy what happened and some of the reasons maybe why I'm not around all of the time."
