Four-year-old Poppy McIlroy, daughter of Rory McIlroy, became the star of the Masters Par 3 contest on Wednesday when she effortlessly sank an impressive 25-foot downhill putt.
Expectations were understandably low as Poppy approached the ball on the ninth green, casually holding the putter with one hand. However, she surprised everyone with a gentle tap that sent the ball rolling perfectly towards the hole.
As the ball dropped into the hole, Rory McIlroy reacted with astonishment, throwing his hands up in celebration, while Poppy was rewarded with a heartwarming hug from her proud father.
“We have been waiting for nine months since the last major, so ending the preparation with such a joyful afternoon is fantastic,” McIlroy commented to reporters.
“If you are not prepared by this point, it’s too late. Now it’s time to have fun, go home for dinner, and relax before Thursday.”
McIlroy is considered a top contender for this year’s Masters, which starts on Thursday. He is once again aiming to secure the coveted green jacket and become only the sixth player in history to achieve a career Grand Slam.
Adrian Whitmore