Golf fans notice small detail as Rory McIlroy and wife Erica take part in Masters tradition

Rory McIlroy was in good spirits as he was joined by wife Erica and their daughter Poppy at the Par 3 Contest ahead of the 2025 Masters.

McIlroy, 35, skipped the annual tradition 12 months ago and was even the last player to register for the first men's major of the year. 

It was speculated that it was all part of McIlroy's plan to end his major drought and become only the sixth player in history to complete the career grand slam. 

> THE MASTERS FINAL ROUND LIVE <

But it later transpired that his marriage was on the rocks and three months after another Masters disappointment he filed for divorce. 

Court docs revealed the golfer felt their marriage was 'irretrievably broken' but the four times major champion performed an abrupt U-turn. 

Related:

• Watch Poppy McIlroy drain a 40-foot putt

"There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate,' McIlroy said at the time.

"Responding to each rumour is a fool's game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. 

"Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning."

On Wednesday, Erica acted as McIlroy's caddie for the Par 3 Contest.

They were also joined by their four-year-old daughter Poppy. 

McIlroy played in the hit-and-giggle event with his good friend Shane Lowry. 

Eagle-eyed golf fans on X also noted that McIlroy was wearing his wedding ring again. 

McIlroy spoke about the importance of his family being here this week in his pre-tournament news conference. 

He said Poppy realised her father was famous after he won the 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. 

"She went into school and there was a couple of kids that had said some stuff to her," he said.  

"And she came home to me that day and said, 'Daddy, are you famous?'

"I said, 'It depends who you talk to.'"