Rory McIlroy secured his place in golfing history on Sunday by claiming a second successive green jacket at Augusta National, holding off world number one Scottie Scheffler to complete back-to-back Masters triumphs.
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman's remarkable achievement has, however, been somewhat overshadowed by an unexpected controversy surrounding his post-victory celebrations.
Social media users were quick to scrutinise the moments following McIlroy's win, with many observers noting what they perceived as an awkward family reunion on the 18th green.
The golfer was seen beckoning his wife Erica Stoll and their five-year-old daughter Poppy to join him, prompting widespread commentary about the nature of their embrace.
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Fans on X did not hold back in their assessment of the family moment.
"Rory having to call his wife and daughter over to hug him. Tough scene," wrote one user.
Another observer offered a more pointed critique: "Good for Rory but he gave bigger hugs to his private equity guys he has known for 4 months than his wife and daughter. Great to see a back to back winner but out on that dude."
Rory McIlroy secured his place in golfing history on Sunday by claiming a second successive green jacket at Augusta National, holding off world number one Scottie Scheffler to complete back-to-back Masters triumphs
|REUTERS
A third commenter simply described the embraces as "lukewarm."
Despite the online criticism, McIlroy used his trophy presentation to express gratitude towards his family, with 38-year-old Stoll and young Poppy standing beside him.
"A few thank yous to the people on my left," he said.
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Rory McIlroy hugs wife Erica Stoll following his Masters win
|REUTERS
"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."
The golfer then turned to lighter matters, noting that Augusta had become his daughter's favourite event 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 player services building," he joked, as Poppy covered her face in embarrassment.
McIlroy's triumph in front of his loved ones comes approximately two years after the couple briefly separated, only to abandon divorce proceedings and reunite.
"Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realisedthat our best future was as a family together," McIlroy stated at the time.
Rory McIlroy has now won the Masters twice following his win at Augusta | GETTY"Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning."
Meanwhile, McIlroy also thanked his parents for being there - having missed his Masters victory 12 months ago.
“They weren’t here last year to celebrate with us, and surprisingly I had to convince them to come this year, because they thought the reason I won was because they weren’t here. I’m glad we proved that wrong," he said.
“Mum and Dad, I owe everything to you. You’re the most wonderful parents."