After winning the Masters to became the sixth golfer in history to complete the career grand slam, joining the likes of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy sent a strong message to his wife, Erica Stoll, and their daughter, Poppy.
“Last, but certainly not least over to my left. My family…” McIlroy started before getting overcome with emotion. “They’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through. They know the burden that I’ve carried to be able to come here every year and try and try and try again.”
“The one thing that I would say to my daughter Poppy, who’s sitting 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. I love you.”
While McIlroy’s wife and daughter were on hand to witness his first Masters victory, his parents didn’t make the trip, preferring to stay in Ireland. A few days after winning the green jacket, the five-time major winner made the trip back home to celebrate with the people who sacrificed so much so their son could have the opportunity to play the game he loves.
