The real reason why Rory McIlroy's parents were not at Augusta to watch Masters win

Rory McIlroy has confirmed the real reason why his mother and father were not in attendance to watch him complete the career grand slam at The Masters.

McIlroy, 35, ended 11 years of hurt in the majors by slipping on the coveted Green Jacket for the first time in the Butler Cabin on Sunday 13 April. 

The World No.2 eventually sealed the deal when defeating his Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose with a birdie on the first extra hole.

In our eyes here at GolfMagic, the 2025 Masters was the greatest golf tournament we have ever witnessed at famed Augusta National. 

McIlroy burst into tears and fell to the hallowed Georgia turf as he tapped home his winning birdie putt from four feet.

He then shared an emotional embrace with both his caddie and best mate Harry Diamond, before he consoled Rose on his third career runner-up finish at The Masters. 

McIlroy was then greeted by his wife Erica and daughter Poppy at the back of the 18th green for congratulatory hugs and kisses.

The Northern Irishman then walked through a sea of patrons behind the 18th in one of the most emotional scenes we've seen in years. 

At the end of his walk he was greeted by his good pal Shane Lowry, and a "mystery woman" as one tabloid wrote, which happened to be Rose's wife Kate. 

Rose saw the funny side of the Mirror's headline when he addressed the subject at last week's RBC Heritage. 

But the two people close to McIlroy's heart that were not there with him at Augusta National were his mother Rosie and father Gerry.

McIlroy has made it no secret he would not be where he is today as a five-time major champion and member of the career grand slam club without the help and support of his parents.

Both Rosie and Gerry worked multiple jobs while McIlroy was honing his skills as a junior golfer, all in pursuit of helping their only child fulfil his dream.

The PGA Tour superstar confirmed during his return to competitive action at this week's Zurich Classic of New Orleans there was a very good reason for their absence in Georgia. 

His parents were moving house back home in Northern Ireland. 

By all accounts, it helped with their stress levels. 

"They said it was a good thing," McIlroy said during his appearance on Michael Breed’s SiriusXM show. 

"They were glad they had something to do to take their mind off what was happening at the Masters."

McIlroy left Georgia on the Monday morning and headed straight back to London where he, Erica and Poppy are in the process of moving into their new home on the famous Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water, Surrey. 

A number of European Tour players have based themselves at Wentworth down the years, including four-time major champion Ernie Els and victorious 2018 European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn. 

McIlroy then jumped in his private jet with Poppy to fly home to Northern Ireland to see his parents for Easter weekend. 

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"It was very emotional," Rory said of seeing his parents for the first time since winning The Masters.

"It was amazing to relive the week — and not just relive the week but the entire journey we’ve been on to get to this point.

"Being an only child, I obviously have an extremely close bond with my parents, and to be able to share this with them was incredibly special."

McIlroy is teaming up with Lowry this week as they look to become the first team to successfully defend the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. 

They opened with an 8-under 64 in Thursday's first-round fourballs. 

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