“Legacy.” That is the one-word Rory McIlroy used to describe his victory at the Augusta National Golf Course. It is a strong word, able to transcend the pangs of time and etch yourself in history.

For him, the legacy is not just about his name percolating through the reaches of time. It is also about him leaving an imprint in the minds of up and coming golfers; an inspiration for the next generation of golfers. The coveted list could boast very few people right now – Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Phil Mickelson and of course, the great Tiger Woods.

Speaking to Amanda Balionis after receiving the green jacket, McIlroy made his thoughts very evident. He wants his daughter to see and understand the significance of the moment. “To have Poppy there and to see. I want her to be able to experience these things.”

McIlroy came onto the golfing world as a promising prodigy with the capability of reaching great heights. For the most part, he was doing the exact thing he had shown early signs of – winning. McIlroy raced to 4 Major titles within the span of six years. But since then he had encountered a bit of a dry spell in the major department. His 2025 Masters was his first major in 11 years. During this period he had several close misses, chokes and even outright disasters. But McIlroy persevered.

“I hadn’t given up for seventeen years. And I think that is a really good lesson for any young boy or girl that was watching. Never give up on your dreams to keep fighting for it.” McIlroy stated with pride.

McIlroy will want some of this to be a good lesson for his daughter. “I probably feel a lot more secure in that since becoming a dad. That, to me, has changed my perception of good days and bad days on the golf course, especially bad days,” McIlroy had stated before about his experience as a dad. And that is why he wants Poppy McIlroy to understand the impact of what happened on Sunday. “Hopefully Poppy saw that today.” The 5-time Major winner added.

It is very evident that Rory McIlroy wants to see his daughter at a similar high level at whatever discipline she chooses. And she seems to be following in her father’s footsteps with her achievement at the par 3 contest before her dad’s iconic title run.

Poppy McIlroy makes an incredible putt

The traditional par 3 contest at Augusta National Golf Course is an exciting occasion for patrons to catch the golfers in their natural surroundings, i.e. with no pressure and surrounded by loved ones. The light mood serves as a great precursor to what transpires on the course during the next four days. And it was on this stage, that Poppy McIlroy stunned everyone

On the ninth hole, with dad standing nearby and ‘Uncle’ Shane Lowry close by, Poppy stepped up and hit the ball. The ball moved very slowly and just when it looked like it was going to stop, it gained momentum and went straight to the hole. An incredible putt. Lowry and McIlroy could not believe it and the former’s daughter rushed to Poppy McIlroy to celebrate.

But the young McIlroy was nonchalant. She just wanted a hug from her dad and that was it. No excess celebration. Perhaps, the weight of what she did had not yet dawned on her. Or she knows that she is meant for greater things. Either way, her father will be right beside her, pushing her for excellence.