Rory McIlroy claimed back-to-back Masters titles on Sunday, and his hometown in Northern Ireland was a scene of jubilant celebrations as the 36-year-old secured his sixth major title
Members of Rory McIlroy’s Holywood Golf Club in County Down(Image: PA)
Scenes of pure joy erupted at Rory McIlroy’s home golf club as he clinched back-to-back Masters titles.
Holywood Golf Club in Co Down, Northern Ireland, where McIlroy grew up, burst into rapturous celebration as he tapped in a putt to win by one on 12-under-par at Augusta National.
The 36 year old became only the fourth man in history to win consecutive Masters titles, having first claimed the green jacket – and career grand slam – twelve months earlier. Drawing level with Sir Nick Faldo on six major wins, McIlroy made it anything but straightforward – leaving fans with their heads in their hands on more than one occasion.
Members of Rory McIlroy’s Holywood Golf Club cheered him on(Image: PA)
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Those watching on were no strangers to the nail-biting emotional rollercoaster that comes with following the Co Down star. Tables filled up early in the evening, after a Sunday roast, with around 150 supporters cheering on their hometown hero.
To chants of “Rory, Rory, Rory”, the atmosphere was electric, with the bar serving Masters-themed cocktails – including a “Rory’s Green Jacket” with Irish gin, Belfast elderflower cordial, lime and soda.
Six shots clear on Friday night, what appeared to be a comfortable victory was anything but for McIlroy. The final round was vintage McIlroy – seemingly throwing it away on the front nine before staging a remarkable comeback with a string of birdies.
Holding a two-shot lead on the final hole, he made life difficult for himself by driving into the trees on the right before finding the bunker with his approach.
Holywood Golf Club in Co Down, Northern Ireland, where McIlroy grew up, burst into rapturous celebration (Image: PA)
He escaped from the sand without dropping a shot and two-putted to seal the title by a single stroke. On the green, McIlroy embraced his best friend and caddie Harry Diamond before sharing another hug off the green with his daughter Poppy.
After kissing his wife Erica, he wrapped his arms around his parents Rosie and Gerry. Cheers rang out as fans leapt to their feet when McIlroy finally clinched a second green jacket, sparking inspiration in the next generation who dream of following in his footsteps. Sullivan Upper School, where McIlroy was educated, was represented amongst those cheering him on.
Speaking to the Press Association at Holywood Golf Club, 19 year old Zach Woods said he and his friends found the victory “really inspiring”. He said: “It is great to be honest, to see a boy from our community achieve such great things. It pushes us to strive to do the best that we can to achieve the things that we love.”
Eighteen year old Ollie Keown made the trip over from Scotland under the pretence of revising for exams, yet somehow managed to find time to cheer McIlroy on. He said this year’s victory topped that of 2025, which he admitted made him “more nervous”.
He said: “I’m just amazed, stunned – I loved every second of it.” On heading back to Scotland, he added: “We’ll see how long the celebrations last.”
Members of Rory McIlroy’s Holywood Golf Club in County Down, watch Rory play during the US Masters 2026 (Image: PA)
Hamish Johnson, 18, said he “never doubted” McIlroy, adding: “He’s got the potential to be the best ever.”
Celebrating the triumph, Leah James told the Press Association “it was just fantastic” to watch at Holywood – having had to secretly try to keep up with the action while on night shift last year. Ms James, from Bangor and a member at Holywood, said McIlroy had generated enormous interest at the club.
She described the back-to-back victories as “incredible”, adding: “He was just so calm and so collected this year and seeing him do it made my day – just happy for him.” Back at Augusta, a visibly emotional McIlroy paid tribute to those at Holywood for their unwavering support.
When asked what he wanted to say to those watching from home during the green jacket ceremony, he said: “I was a little kid with a dream and the support that I had from my family, friends and everyone back at home – some people probably thought it was outlandish to dream the things that I wanted to do but I had amazing support back home and I can’t thank them all enough for that continued support.”