11 years in the making, and Rory McIlroy has finally won the 2025 Masters Tournament. 25 years after Tiger Woods, he is the sixth Grand Slam champion. Emotions took over the man from Northern Ireland as he triumphed at Augusta National to win his first Green Jacket. Off the green, he walked straight to his wife, Erica Stoll, and daughter, Poppy McIlroy, to embrace them after the historic win.

Speaking to the media in the Masters Press Conference, McIlroy stated, “I want to say hello to my mum and dad, they’re back in Northern Ireland and I can’t wait to celebrate this next week with them.” He confirmed that he would be taking a trip back home to visit his family. So let’s learn more about Rosaleen and Gerry McIlroy, who would be welcoming their son back home after his win at Augusta National.

Who are Rory McIlroy’s parents?

Back on May 4, 1989, the force was strong in the McIlroy household as Rosaleen and Gerry McIlroy welcomed a future Grand Slam champion to their home. Rory McIlroy was born in Holywood, United Kingdom, a year after his parents got married. A golfer himself, Gerry is a member of the Hollywood Golf Club. That’s where he brought his son so that he could practice golf. He always had faith in Rory McIlroy’s abilities and pushed him to be the player he is today.

The Irishman was only 9 when he appeared on the Gerry Kelly Show back in 1999. That’s how everyone learned that it was not only the course where McIlroy practiced golf. The host asked him how he practices his shots inside his house. To that, the 9-year-old future legend murmured something that ended with “washing machine.” The show’s host, Kelly, confirmed what he said by stating, “Along the hall, in through the kitchen door, into your mum’s washing machine,” which received approval from the young McIlroy. This shows that even his mom, Rosaleen, was a supporter since day 1.

Rory McIlroy was only 13 when Gerry placed a bet of £200 or $388 that he would win the Open Championship by the time he was 25. His risk paid off as two months after his 25th birthday, McIlroy won the 2014 Open Championship against Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia. Gerry collected a handsome £100,000 or $171,000 for his bet. Of course, by then, the 29x PGAT winner had already become a 4x major winner, so it didn’t come as a surprise to many.

Before Rory McIlroy was a star, his dad Gerry was the silent engine behind the dream. Juggling several jobs like bartending and late shifts at a local factory, Gerry and his wife made sure nothing stood in their son’s way. He coached, caddied, and hustled—proving that belief and hard work can build champions. The 2025 Masters champion also had the backing of his childhood friend, Harry Diamond, as his caddie as he turned pro in 2007. McIlroy is unconditionally grateful for all three of them and also considers his parents his best friends.

Just because he is one of the greatest golfers in history now, doesn’t mean Rory McIlroy still doesn’t like to play the sport with his family. Fun fact, he father-son duo still takes on the course frequently. Let’s learn more about their playing field.

Gerry and Rory McIlroy’s golf adventures

“My earliest memories are even going back to when I was four or five and wanting to play 18 holes with him, and he said, ‘Are you sure, as it’s a long time out here and you’re going to get tired,’” said McIlroy. He described a fun, yet pivotal moment, adding, “We have so many great memories on the golf course. I think I do remember the first time I beat him, and it was a bit of a weird feeling. Almost like a guilty feeling. Like, I don’t really want to beat him, but it’s one of those things. We still have good matches, and obviously I have to give him a few shots now, but when we play, as I said, it’s like when I was growing up.” It’s a perfect snapshot of their lifelong connection.

Now, over the years, both Rosaleen and Gerry McIlroy have been in attendance during some of their son’s biggest wins. They might also be enjoying golf together as a family during Rory McIlroy’s time off from his professional duties. Fans might get to see glimpses of the same in the coming weeks. However, that is not the only connection Papa McIlroy has with his son and the sport.

The father-son duo also forms a tremendous team that participates in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship annually. They also managed to nearly win the tournament in 2019 after they tied with Tommy Fleetwood and Ogden Phipps II. Unfortunately, the 2024 edition of the tournament didn’t favor them much as they finished at T101, 29 strokes behind the winners. A win for Rory McIlroy at Augusta National would have probably made up for that. Wouldn’t you agree?