- McIlroy beat Justin Rose in a tense play-off after a day of drama at Augusta
- Star is keen to return to Northern Ireland to see his parents after superb win
- It appears the 35-year-old will appear on the New Year’s Honours List
Arise, Sir Rory McIlroy. The Masters champion is now in line for a knighthood to go with the Grand Slam he clinched following his stunning victory at Augusta.
It appears that the Northern Irishman, who according to sources did not leave the famous clubhouse until after midnight following his historic success, will appear on the New Year’s Honours List, as the King’s birthday list in June is close to being finalised.
McIlroy spent the hours after his epic, nervy victory in a play-off over England’s Justin Rose celebrating on the iconic property. After picking up the green jacket and facing the media, he returned to the veranda-fronted clubhouse and happily mixed with members and officials.
McIlroy is known as a red wine connoisseur and has his own expansive collection. On previous trips outside of the Masters he has taken a keen interest in the well-stocked cellar which, while shrouded in secrecy, is thought to be situated underneath the members pro-shop and features some of the finest vintages on the planet.
The occasion may well have called for consumption, but McIlroy has cut down on his drinking since wearing a Whoop health and recovery tracking device.
After Sunday had given way to Monday, the 35-year-old retired to the nearby rental home he had occupied with wife Erica Stoll and their four-year-old daughter Poppy and where he had been preparing by watching Premier League football, Bridgerton and reading a John Grisham novel.
Rory McIlroy is in line for a knighthood after he clinched the Grand Slam with a stunning Masters victory
McIlroy retired to his nearby rental home with daughter Poppy and wife Erica Stoll after his triumph at Augusta
He broke down in tears on the 18th after securing victory and did so again at a press conference
The group were due to fly to the family’s £16.7million Florida mansion via private jet from nearby Augusta airport on Monday morning. Offers to appear on the major New York-based talk shows are likely to flood in, but McIlroy is keen to return to Northern Ireland as soon as he can to see his parents.
Indeed, following the dramatic win, which saw him land his first major in 11 years, he broke down in tears on 18 – and did so again when asked about the role they had played in his success. Mother Rosie took a job at a factory while dad Gerry worked at the golf club bar and cleaned toilets and showers at the rugby club to ensure Rory could afford to travel to the most important tournaments in the US when he was a rising star. When McIlroy does touch down in Belfast he will not have far to travel to see old friends – his Holywood hometown is right next to George Best Airport.
There will be a homecoming event with talks already underway between Holywood Golf Club and Ards and North Down Borough Council.
A series of potential options to recognise McIlroy’s achievements and legacy will be put before local councillors.
The mayor, former classmate Alistair Cathcart, said they were ready to get the party started. ‘Rory has secured his position as one of the greatest golfers of all time,’ he said. ‘Having been in the same year as him at Sullivan Upper School, I am proud to say that he is one of our own. The man from Holywood now has his green jacket and has won it all. We are looking forward to seeing him return home and celebrate with his home supporters.’
A keen Manchester United fan, McIlroy was asked if he would be taking his green jacket to Old Trafford, given champions are allowed to retain it for a year, and it appeared his sense of humour remained firmly intact after a nerve-shredding day.
‘If it can inspire some better play, absolutely!’ he joked. United are ready to roll out the red carpet should he choose to do so.
A date with Buckingham Palace is highly likely to follow.
Tributes continued to flow on Monday, with five-time Masters winner Tiger Woods posting on X: ‘Welcome to the club. Completing the Grand Slam at Augusta is something special. Your determination during this round, and this entire journey, has shown through and now you’re a part of history. Proud of you.’
McIlroy himself simply posted ‘Dreams do come true’ above a picture of him holding the trophy aloft.
