Rory McIlroy has returned to Northern Ireland following his historic Masters victory at Augusta last weekend.
The 35-year-old golfer arrived at Belfast City Airport on Friday with his daughter Poppy in his arms as he stepped off his private jet.
However, his wife Erica Stoll appeared to be elsewhere despite being in the States with him as he went on to win the green jacket.
The airport is just a short distance from McIlroy's hometown of Holywood.
Rory McIlroy stepped off the plane with daughter Poppy
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McIlroy was seen carrying his daughter down the stairs of his private jet before being whisked away on Friday morning.
It's expected that McIlroy will visit his parents, Rosie and Gerry, who did not attend the tournament at Augusta.
His arrival comes amid calls for a significant homecoming celebration following his momentous achievement.
McIlroy endured an emotional rollercoaster during the final day at Augusta as he pursued his maiden Masters title.
After missing the chance to win on the 18th hole, he showed tremendous character to defeat Justin Rose in a sudden-death play-off.
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The victory ended an agonising 11-year wait for McIlroy at the Masters.
"It's my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time," McIlroy said after his triumph.
"I'm just absolutely honoured and thrilled and just so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."
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Rory McIlroy has returned to Northern Ireland soil following his triumphant Masters victoryGETTYWith this victory, McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam, becoming just the sixth player in history to win all four major golf tournaments.
He joins the elite company of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in achieving this remarkable feat.
McIlroy had previously won the US Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and the Open Championship in 2014.
His Masters triumph finally completes his collection of major championships after an 11-year wait since his last major victory.
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Rory McIlroy finally won The Masters at the weekendReutersFirst Minister Michelle O'Neill has called for a "huge party" to welcome McIlroy home to Northern Ireland.
She said people were "bursting with pride" of the golfer's achievement.
"We all were behind him every step of the way," O'Neill said. "I think his story is one of such a positive journey that, no matter how many setbacks you have in life, if you work hard and are determined, you can get there in the end."
She added: "I hope that we have the biggest reception possible because we are bursting with pride in terms of what he has achieved."
