Rory McIlroy has revealed that his mother and father came close to staying away from Augusta National this year after they were absent when he clinched his historic career Grand Slam triumph 12 months ago.
The Northern Irishman's parents, Rosie and Gerry, remained at home in Northern Ireland during last year's breakthrough victory but ultimately decided to make the journey to Georgia for his title defence.
"There was a piece of them that didn't want to come this year after not being here last year but I'm so glad they got to experience this today," McIlroy said.
Their decision proved worthwhile as they watched their son secure his sixth major championship by a single stroke.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
McIlroy's final round proved far from straightforward as he battled through a turbulent Sunday at Augusta.
Beginning the day level at the top of the leaderboard, he made an encouraging birdie at the third before disaster struck at the par-three fourth, where a three-putt resulted in a double-bogey.
A further dropped shot at the fifth saw him lose more ground, but the 36-year-old responded with consecutive gains from the sixth hole.
Rory McIlroy has revealed that his mother and father came close to staying away from Augusta National this year after they were absent when he clinched his historic career Grand Slam triumph 12 months ago
|GETTY
Back-to-back birdies from the 12th then propelled him three clear with five holes remaining.
His closing round of one-under 71 proved sufficient to fend off Scottie Scheffler's weekend challenge and claim victory by a solitary stroke.
McIlroy expressed astonishment at the timing of his Augusta success, having endured a lengthy wait before finally breaking through at the tournament.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Rory McIlroy's family were delighted for the Northern Irishman after his Masters win
|GETTY
"I can't believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket and now I get two in a row," he remarked in the Butler Cabin.
The 36-year-old had completed the third leg of golf's Grand Slam back in 2014 but then suffered 10 unsuccessful attempts to capture the Masters, the sole major missing from his collection.
His consecutive victories came in his 17th and 18th appearances at the famous Georgia venue.
"I think all of my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off," McIlroy added.
McIlroy acknowledged that triumphing at Augusta presents immense challenges regardless of the circumstances surrounding the victory.
Rory McIlroy embraced his father after making history at the Masters
|GETTY
"I thought it was so difficult to win last year because of trying to win The Masters and the Grand Slam, then this year I realised it's just really difficult to win The Masters," he admitted.
The champion also reflected on building his winning position during the opening two days of competition.
"I obviously did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday. I don't think I would have believed anyone if they said to me all you have to do is shoot even-par for the weekend and you'll win," McIlroy explained.
"I definitely thought I was going to need to go out there and at least shoot a couple of under-par scores. I just had to hang in there."