{"id":890170,"date":"2026-04-13T01:31:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T01:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/890170\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T01:31:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T01:31:20","slug":"rory-mcilroy-back-to-back-masters-win-celebrated-by-northern-ireland-hometown-club","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/890170\/","title":{"rendered":"Rory McIlroy back-to-back Masters win celebrated by Northern Ireland hometown club"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Members of Rory McIlroy's Holywood Golf Club in County Down\" loading=\"eager\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1_Holywood-Golf-Club-members-watch-the-final-day-of-the-US-Masters-2026.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Members of Rory McIlroy's Holywood Golf Club in County Down\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Members of Rory McIlroy&#8217;s Holywood Golf Club in County Down(Image: PA)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Scenes of pure joy erupted at <a aria-label=\"Rory McIlroy&#039;sLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/rory-mcilroy\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Rory McIlroy&#8217;s<\/a> home <a aria-label=\"golfLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/golf\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">golf<\/a> club as he clinched back-to-back <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/the-masters\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Masters <\/a>titles.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Holywood Golf Club in Co Down, <a aria-label=\"Northern IrelandLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/northern-ireland\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Northern Ireland<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The 36 year old became only the fourth man in history to win consecutive Masters titles, having first claimed the green jacket \u2013 and career grand slam \u2013 twelve months earlier. Drawing level with Sir <a aria-label=\"Nick FaldoLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/nick-faldo\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Nick Faldo<\/a> on six major wins, McIlroy made it anything but straightforward \u2013 leaving fans with their heads in their hands on more than one occasion.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Members of Rory McIlroy's Holywood Golf Club\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_Holywood-Golf-Club-members-watch-the-final-day-of-the-US-Masters-2026.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Members of Rory McIlroy's Holywood Golf Club cheered him on\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Members of Rory McIlroy&#8217;s Holywood Golf Club cheered him on(Image: PA)<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37002960\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/news\/uk-news\/starmer-refuses-trumps-strait-hormuz-37002960\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Starmer refuses Trump&#8217;s Strait of Hormuz blockade as oil prices set to rise<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37002892\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/news\/uk-news\/brit-family-stranded-in-milan-37002892\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wirral family stranded in Milan as easyJet flight &#8216;took off without them&#8217;<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">To chants of &#8220;Rory, Rory, Rory&#8221;, the atmosphere was electric, with the bar serving Masters-themed cocktails \u2013 including a &#8220;Rory&#8217;s Green Jacket&#8221; with Irish gin, Belfast elderflower cordial, lime and soda.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Six shots clear on Friday night, what appeared to be a comfortable victory was anything but for McIlroy. The final round was vintage McIlroy \u2013 seemingly throwing it away on the front nine before staging a remarkable comeback with a string of birdies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Holywood Golf Club in Co Down, Northern Ireland, where McIlroy grew up, burst into rapturous celebration \" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776043879_832_0_Holywood-Golf-Club-members-watch-the-final-day-of-the-US-Masters-2026.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Holywood Golf Club in Co Down, Northern Ireland, where McIlroy grew up, burst into rapturous celebration \" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Holywood Golf Club in Co Down, Northern Ireland, where McIlroy grew up, burst into rapturous celebration (Image: PA)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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 <a aria-label=\"Harry DiamondLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/harry-diamond\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Harry Diamond<\/a> before sharing another hug off the green with his daughter Poppy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Speaking to the Press Association at Holywood Golf Club, 19 year old Zach Woods said he and his friends found the victory &#8220;really inspiring&#8221;. He said: &#8220;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.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Eighteen year old Ollie Keown made the trip over from <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/scotland\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Scotland<\/a> under the pretence of revising for exams, yet somehow managed to find time to cheer McIlroy on. He said this year&#8217;s victory topped that of 2025, which he admitted made him &#8220;more nervous&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He said: &#8220;I&#8217;m just amazed, stunned \u2013 I loved every second of it.&#8221; On heading back to Scotland, he added: &#8220;We&#8217;ll see how long the celebrations last.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Members of Rory McIlroy's Holywood Golf Club in County Down, watch Rory play during the US Masters 2026 \" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776043880_982_0_Holywood-Golf-Club-members-watch-the-final-day-of-the-US-Masters-2026.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Members of Rory McIlroy's Holywood Golf Club in County Down, watch Rory play during the US Masters 2026 \" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Members of Rory McIlroy&#8217;s Holywood Golf Club in County Down, watch Rory play during the US Masters 2026 (Image: PA)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Hamish Johnson, 18, said he &#8220;never doubted&#8221; McIlroy, adding: &#8220;He&#8217;s got the potential to be the best ever.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Celebrating the triumph, Leah James told the Press Association &#8220;it was just fantastic&#8221; to watch at Holywood \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">She described the back-to-back victories as &#8220;incredible&#8221;, adding: &#8220;He was just so calm and so collected this year and seeing him do it made my day \u2013 just happy for him.&#8221; Back at Augusta, a visibly emotional McIlroy paid tribute to those at Holywood for their unwavering support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">When asked what he wanted to say to those watching from home during the green jacket ceremony, he said: &#8220;I was a little kid with a dream and the support that I had from my family, friends and everyone back at home \u2013 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&#8217;t thank them all enough for that continued support.&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Rory McIlroy claimed back-to-back Masters titles on Sunday, and his hometown in Northern Ireland was a scene of&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":890171,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5011],"tags":[7608,137231,10523,1144,25082,226734,4287,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-890170","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-northern-ireland","8":"tag-augusta-national-inc","9":"tag-harry-diamond","10":"tag-nick-faldo","11":"tag-northern-ireland","12":"tag-poppies","13":"tag-press-association-ltd","14":"tag-rory-mcilroy","15":"tag-uk","16":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116394818734824157","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=890170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890170\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/890171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=890170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=890170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=890170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}