Rory McIlroy has returned to Northern Ireland soil following his triumphant Masters victory.
The champion golfer touched down at Belfast City Airport on Friday morning in his private jet with his four-year-old daughter, Poppy, in his arms.
McIlroy's Gulfstream G650, registered under the US flag, was seen landing just after 11:30am, having departed from Farnborough Airport outside London approximately 45 minutes earlier.
The homecoming comes less than a week after the Co Down native ended an 11-year wait to win the one major title that had previously eluded him.
Rory McIlroy has returned to Northern Ireland soil following his triumphant Masters victory
GETTY
His arrival sparked excitement among fans who had been eagerly awaiting news of his return to celebrate his momentous achievement.
The Holywood native had expressed his wish to return home after securing his victory at Augusta National on Sunday.
McIlroy was spotted disembarking from the aircraft moments after landing, carrying his daughter Poppy in his arms.
The golfer was also seen clutching a large cream bag and a backpack as he made his way across the tarmac, reports Belfast Live.
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Rory McIlroy was pushed all the way by Justin Rose at the Masters on SundayREUTERSHe was subsequently taken to a private area of the airport before being driven away from the facility.
The arrival follows days of speculation among plane spotters who had tracked McIlroy's private jet movements earlier this week.
Belfast City Airport is just minutes away from McIlroy's family home in Holywood, where fans are hoping to catch a glimpse of the returning champion.
McIlroy's return follows his dramatic victory at Augusta National where he beat Justin Rose in a play-off to win the 89th Masters.
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The triumph completed his career Grand Slam, making him just the sixth man in history to win all four of golf's majors.
He also became the first European golfer to win the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and Open Championship, with the achievement has cementing McIlroy's position amongst the best golfers of all time.
His Masters victory ended a decade of disappointment at the tournament, having previously made 16 attempts without success.
The win was particularly emotional for McIlroy, who had carried the burden of trying to complete the Grand Slam for the past decade.
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Speaking after his victory, McIlroy expressed his desire to celebrate with his family in Northern Ireland.
"I want to say hello to my mum and dad," he said at the green jacket ceremony. "They're back home in Northern Ireland."
Choking back tears, he added: "They did make a lot of sacrifices for me, and I can't wait to see them next week. I just can't wait to celebrate this with them."
The emotional champion described it as "the best day of my golfing life".
Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam with his victory at the Masters on Sunday
REUTERS
"It's a dream come true. I have dreamt about this moment for as long as I can remember," McIlroy said.
"This feels incredible. It's my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.
"I'm absolutely honoured and thrilled, and so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."
