Rory McIlroy celebrated his second Irish Open victory at The K Club with an emotional embrace from his wife and young daughter.
The Holywood golfer, who produced a dramatic finish to force and then win a play-off against Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren, was greeted by his wife Erica and daughter Poppy moments after sealing the title.
McIlroy, the world number two, required an eagle on the 18th hole to keep his hopes alive and delivered in front of a packed crowd, before going on to clinch the title on the third extra hole at the K Club in Saffran. Earlier, as he set up for a putt on the par-four 13th, the golfer was locked in a four-way tie for first place at the K Club. In a video shared on social media. the Co Down man can be seen celebrating his win in a marquee before his wife Erica and Poppy greet him. McIlroy is then seen embracing his young daughter, who has been a constant presence in his major tournaments.
Spectators nearby remarked on the touching scene, later shared by the DP World Tour with the caption: “Rory’s biggest fans.”
The 36-year-old, who claimed the Masters earlier this year to complete golf’s career Grand Slam, has now lifted the Irish Open trophy twice, both times at The K Club.
His first came in 2016 and this win marked his first since taking the Grand Slam.
Reflecting on the latest win, McIlroy said: “There are very few players who get the kind of support I do when I come home. To do what I did earlier in the year and then come back here and win my national open – 2025 is going to go down as one of the best, if not the best, of my career.
“But I’m not finished yet.”
Alongside the title, McIlroy collected a prize of around £1 million. The Co Down previously gave a special shout to Poppy following his Masters’ victory. “The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy over there, never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back, keep working hard, and if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. Love you,” he said.
