The pride of Holywood Rory McIlroy has further cemented his legendary status in the world of golf by securing the elusive Masters title and completing a career major Grand Slam. The 35-year-old has been passionately pursuing the coveted Green Jacket since he first set foot on Augusta National's sacred greens.
Having bagged all other major titles by 2014, victory in Georgia was the final piece of the puzzle. McIlroy's preparation for the 89th Masters was flawless, and after a slow start, he quickly picked up the pace.
He started Sunday with a solid solo lead, and despite some ups and downs through the front and back nines – even losing his advantage and requiring a sudden-death playoff to outdo fellow European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose – a superb wedge that resulted in a three-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole secured his long-awaited destiny and the crowning achievement of an already illustrious career.
The Northern Irishman's extraordinary victory unleashed years of emotional highs and lows, and many have journeyed with him along the way. We delve into McIlroy's tight-knit inner circle, which includes his wife, devoted parents, faithful caddie, supportive psychologist, and a constant group of friends known as the 'Mac Pack'.
Erica Stoll
After his emotional eruption on the green of the 18th hole, one of the first people McIlroy rushed to embrace was his wife, Erica Stoll, whom he married in 2017. The couple have shown resilience after a tumultuous year which saw McIlroy filing for divorce in May 2024, only to call it off a month later.
Since then, the pair, who first crossed paths at the 2012 Ryder Cup, have presented a united front with their daughter Poppy. The 35-year-old didn't hold back on expressing the significance of his family as he revelled in his Masters triumph.
"Last but not least, over to my left, my family, my team," McIlroy said, visibly moved during his Green Jacket ceremony. "They've been on this journey with me the whole way through.
"They know the burden that I've carried to come here every year and try and try and try again. The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy, never give up on your dreams. Never ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back. Keep working hard."
Harry Diamond
While McIlroy's wife, Stoll, and daughter, Poppy, were among the first to be embraced following his modern Grand Slam victory, it was his childhood friend and caddie, Harry Diamond, who received the initial hug. Diamond, also the best man at McIlroy's wedding, has been by his side through thick and thin.
After a year without victories in 2017, McIlroy chose his peer Diamond as caddie. Together, they've celebrated 15 PGA Tour wins, despite ongoing suggestions that McIlroy might benefit from the expertise of a more experienced caddie to achieve major success.
Specifically, a blunder when opting for a 7-iron at the par-three 15 during the 2024 US Open saw many ask questions of Diamond, who didn't step in to advise differently. However, this campaign had been more than stellar, and now the pair have finally achieved a major title as a duo, silencing any critics.
The 'Mac Pack'
Diamond is part of a group of Holywood natives known as the 'Mac Pack' – childhood friends that include the green-jacketed McIlroy. These pals from the Belfast suburb are often seen supporting the golfing deity, and Diamond, along with his younger brother Dan, are included in this group.
The rest of the group consists of golf coach Ricky McCormick, agent Mitchell Tweedie, and Steven Davidson, many of whom are members of Holywood Golf Club.
Some of the closely-knit group are also thought to have known McIlroy at Holywood's Sullivan Upper School and have remained by the side of their loyal, five-time major-winning friend ever since.
Gerry and Rosie McIlroy
Another significant part of the upbringing that nurtured McIlroy into the first modern European Grand Slam winner – and the first from his homeland to take home the Masters crown – was his parents, Gerry and Rosie.
McIlroy's dad, a keen golfer himself, was the one who introduced him to the sport he now excels in. Although his parents weren't there to witness his latest victory, the 35-year-old expressed his eagerness to celebrate with them during his winners' interview.
"It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time," began McIlroy. "I want to say hello to my mum and dad, they're back in Northern Ireland, and I can't wait to celebrate this next week with them."
Bob Rotella
The mental struggle that McIlroy has faced over the past 11 years as he chased a fifth major title, especially after his 2011 Augusta National meltdown, often made the thought of winning the Masters seem distant. To help manage the pressure, McIlroy turned to sports psychologist Bob Rotella for guidance.
Ahead of the tournament, golfing legend Paul McGinley had confidence in Rotella's influence on McIlroy, remarking: "I think he [Rotella] will have him very well prepared now.
"They've had two or three runs at this now, and I think they will be coming up with a plan in terms of taking that pressure and decimating it and putting it aside."
Indeed, this belief proved to be accurate as the Northern Irish star demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite numerous setbacks and a botched four-foot title-winning putt on the 18th hole, he quickly recovered. He returned to the same hole during the playoff, birdied it, secured the win, and etched his name in golfing history.
