Rory McIlroy made amends for his previous oversight by thanking his wife Erica Stoll in his victory speech after retaining the Masters title at Augusta National. Last year, McIlroy faced criticism for failing to mention Stoll after his dramatic play-off win. This year, he ensured she was among the first he acknowledged.
In his speech, McIlroy said: 'First and foremost, my wife and daughter, Erica and Poppy. They have to put up with me at home and, trust me, sometimes that’s a tough thing to do. But they have been my biggest supporters.' He also noted that the Masters has become his daughter Poppy's favourite week of the year, partly due to the all-you-can-eat ice cream.
McIlroy also thanked his parents, who missed his triumph last year. 'I had to convince them to come this year, because they thought that the reason that I won was because they weren't here,' he said. 'So I'm glad that we proved that wrong. Mom and dad, I owe everything to you.'
The Northern Irishman dominated the first two rounds with a six-shot lead but lost it in the third. He regained control on the back nine of the final round, securing a two-shot lead and ultimately winning by one shot. The victory was more comfortable than last year's play-off against Justin Rose.
McIlroy now joins Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only players to retain the Masters. With his sixth major title, he may eye an unprecedented third consecutive win next year.
