Scenes of pure joy erupted at Rory McIlroy's home club, Holywood Golf Club in County Down, as he clinched back-to-back Masters titles. The 36-year-old became only the fourth man in history to win consecutive Masters, securing a one-stroke victory at 12-under-par at Augusta National.
Around 150 supporters gathered at the club, cheering their hometown hero with chants of 'Rory, Rory, Rory'. The bar served Masters-themed cocktails, including a 'Rory's Green Jacket' made with Irish gin, Belfast elderflower cordial, lime and soda. The atmosphere was electric as McIlroy staged a remarkable comeback on the final round, holding a two-shot lead on the last hole despite finding the trees and bunker.
After escaping the sand and two-putting to seal the title, McIlroy embraced his caddie and best friend Harry Diamond, then hugged his daughter Poppy, wife Erica, and parents Rosie and Gerry. Fans leapt to their feet as he clinched the green jacket, sparking inspiration among the next generation.
Speaking at the club, 19-year-old Zach Woods called the victory 'really inspiring', saying: 'It is great to see a boy from our community achieve such great things.' Ollie Keown, 18, who travelled from Scotland, said the win topped 2025's, adding: 'I'm just amazed, stunned – I loved every second of it.' Hamish Johnson, 18, said he 'never doubted' McIlroy, who he believes can be the best ever.
Leah James, a member at Holywood from Bangor, described the back-to-back victories as 'incredible'. She noted McIlroy had generated enormous interest at the club. At the green jacket ceremony, an emotional McIlroy thanked those at Holywood for their unwavering support, saying: 'I was a little kid with a dream and I had amazing support back home.'
