Rory McIlroy expressed his delight that his parents were present to witness his second consecutive Masters victory, having missed his historic triumph last year.
Rosie and Gerry McIlroy stayed in Northern Ireland when he completed the career grand slam at Augusta National 12 months ago, and had doubts about travelling for the defence of his title. They were rewarded with a one-stroke victory, which secured a sixth major for the Northern Irishman.
"It's only the second major win my mum's been at, she was at The Open in Hoylake in 2014," McIlroy said.
"There was a piece of them that didn't want to come this year after not being here last year but I'm so glad they got to experience this today.
"I can't believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket and now I get two in a row. I think all of my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off."
Reflecting on the victory, he added: "It was a tough weekend. I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday, but I'm just so happy to hang in there and get the job done."
