Rory McIlroy’s Daughter Poppy Steals the Spotlight at Masters Par 3 Contest

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy‘s daughter, Poppy, captured the audience’s heart during the annual Par 3 Contest at the Masters on April 9, 2025. In a heartwarming moment, the four-year-old drained a challenging downhill putt on the ninth hole, leading to an electrifying reaction from the gallery and a proud celebration from her father.

The contest, held the day before the start of the Masters, is a family-friendly event where players often enlist their relatives as caddies. McIlroy, who has been a dominant figure in golf, shared this joyous occasion with his daughter and wife, Erica Stoll.

Poppy’s successful putt was not only a highlight of the day but also reflected the close-knit family dynamic shared by the McIlroys. Rory, reflecting on their journey, stated, “It’s amazing to share these experiences with her and with Erica.”

Since Poppy’s birth in August 2020, she has been a fixture at her father’s tournaments, often stealing the show with her charming antics. This year, she donned the traditional caddy attire, enhancing the family’s presence on the green.

Rory McIlroy, originally from Northern Ireland, has been establishing his legacy on the PGA Tour with multiple major championships under his belt. However, parenting has shifted his perspective on competition and success. “It just puts things in perspective a little bit,” he said. “When I say it’s not the be-all and end-all, it is a major championship, but at the end of the day, I have my family, and that makes me very happy.”

In a previous interview, Rory discussed how quickly Poppy came to understand his fame after witnessing his triumphs on the course. “It was the first time she sort of realized what I did,” he explained. “It’s an amazing addition to life.” He also humorously remarked about Poppy asking if he was famous after peers at school mentioned his accomplishments.

The McIlroy family has faced their share of challenges too. Rory filed for divorce from Erica in May 2024 but announced their reconciliation a month later. “Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together,” McIlroy stated. The couple’s dedication to maintaining a unified family unit became evident during events like the Masters.

The Masters Par 3 Contest continues to be a family affair, with several golfers participating with their children. For the McIlroys, it represents not just a day of sporting excellence but also cherished family memories—one Rory is keen to nurture as Poppy grows up.

As the Masters tournament officially begins on April 10, Rory McIlroy remains focused on his performance, motivated by the love and support of his family. The event will close with a champion crowned on April 13.