, The Masters’ win was pretty surreal for Rory McIlroy. Getting to celebrate his career Grand Slam in the presence of several golfing greats was truly amazing. But what the Northern Irish golfer would cherish beyond any doubt is the fact that his family was there to see him cross the line he had been wanting to cross for years.
His daughter, Poppy McIlroy, might be only four years old, but she has had a profound and deep impact on his life. Even the little things she does have had deep resonance. Rory McIlroy recently talked about an occasion where his daughter’s normal and unassuming words created a sense of self-belief in him.
Speaking on the I Can Fly Podcast, McIlroy recalled the incident that showed the innocence of his child, Poppy McIlroy, but at the same time reinstated his belief in himself. “So I am leaving for the airport, last Wednesday morning, and Poppy said to me, ’Dada, where are you going?’”
McIlroy answered duly. “And I said, “I’m going to go for a golf lesson. I’ll be back in a couple of days.” She goes, ‘But Dada, you already know how to play golf.’” He further mentioned the impact that the small statement had on him. “That is probably the best piece of advice I have gotten in the last three years.”
The happiness and joy were evident in Rory McIlroy’s face while retelling the event. While the incident happened way back, Poppy’s words, “You already know how to play golf,” resonated deeply with the 5-time Major winner. He had his marker engraved with the same quote. The same marker he used while winning his fifth major title at Augusta National Golf Club. Talk about impactful advice.
The incident created a sense of warmth amongst the golfing fans as well. They took to social media to share their thoughts on the same.
Fans are smitten with Rory McIlroy’s daughter’s advice
One fan expressed feelings shortly and sweetly, commenting, “Sweet,” while another fan said that McIlroy’s recollection of the incident was “the cutest thing we have seen all day.”
Poppy McIlroy is seen regularly at golfing tournaments to support her dad. She first caddied for her dad at the 2023 Masters, when she, along with her mother Erica, donned the iconic white jumpsuits during the Par-3 contest. Moreover, she is an active presence at the golf course, cheering on her dad. “She is her dad’s #1 fan.”
Another fan also agreed with Poppy McIlroy’s statement. Sometimes, all people need to do is believe in themselves. “Facts, Poppy straight facts.” The fan commented.
Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 6, 2022 Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy with his daughter Poppy Kennedy on the 1st fairway during the par 3 tournament REUTERS/Mike Segar TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
During the Masters Tournament, Poppy did have a moment of magic. It was at the par-3 tournament, and Rory McIlroy gave his daughter a putt from a decent distance. She placed a slight strike on the ball, only for it to look like it was stopping midway before gathering momentum and rolling into the pin. Both Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry leapt in celebration! When the ball fell in the hole, Lowry’s daughter ran in to congratulate the young Poppy McIlroy, who stood unfazed.
An amazing putt, which means that she is likely to be following in her father’s footsteps soon. And what better role model than her father himself? It was with this in mind that one fan commented, “She doesn’t know it yet, but seeing you still take lessons is amazing advice for her, too.”
What do you think of Poppy McIlroy’s advice to Rory? Does it hit all the right notes?
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