Rory McIlroy atones for Erica Stoll mistake after securing second Masters victory

Jack Otway
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:59:22 +0000

Rory McIlroy ensured he would not repeat last year's Masters error when he delivered his victory speech at Augusta on Sunday, placing his wife Erica Stoll at the forefront of his gratitude.

The Northern Irishman faced criticism 12 months ago for failing to acknowledge Stoll during his emotional address following his career Grand Slam triumph.

This time, McIlroy left no doubt about his priorities.

"First and foremost, my wife and daughter, Erica and Poppy," he said. "They have to put up with me at home and, trust me, sometimes that's a tough thing to do."

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He added: "But they have been my biggest supporters. This has definitely turned into Poppy's favourite week of the year.

"I don't know if it's because of the Par 3 Tournament or it's the all-you-can eat ice cream in the players' services building."

McIlroy's path to retaining his green jacket proved far from straightforward, with the 36-year-old surrendering an unprecedented six-shot advantage during Saturday's third round.

The challenge intensified as Cameron Young, Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler all mounted serious threats to his title defence.

Yet the now six-time major champion produced his finest golf when it mattered most, surging clear on the back nine to establish a two-shot cushion that he would not relinquish.

Such was his command down the stretch that McIlroy could afford to miss a putt on the final green, leaving himself a simple half-foot tap-in to seal consecutive Masters victories.

The triumph came almost exactly one year after his historic breakthrough at the same venue.

McIlroy's speech also contained a heartfelt moment as he turned to address his mother and father, who were absent from Augusta during his maiden Masters triumph in 2025.

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Persuading them to make the journey this year required some effort, the golfer revealed, as they had convinced themselves their non-attendance had somehow contributed to his success.

"Surprisingly, I had to convince them to come this year, because they thought that the reason that I won was because they weren't here," McIlroy explained.

"So I'm glad that we proved that wrong."

The emotional tribute concluded with McIlroy acknowledging the debt he owes to his parents for his remarkable career.

"But mom and dad, I owe everything to you," he said.

McIlroy's second successive Masters crown brings his major tally to six, drawing level with Sir Nick Faldo's British record.

"I tie Nick, so there's going to be that conversation and debate. It's a cool conversation to be a part of," he reflected.

The 36-year-old credited an attacking mindset for his triumph, having learned from costly defensive play twelve months earlier.

"Last year, I had that three or four-shot cushion going to the 13th tee, and I started to be a little defensive. That came back to bite me a little bit," he recalled, referencing a double bogey after finding the creek.

"Staying aggressive and staying committed, especially on those two holes, definitely served me this week."

With his sixth major secured just months after his fifth, McIlroy made clear his hunger remains undiminished.

"I'm not putting a number on it, but I certainly don't want to stop here," he declared.