Rory McIlroy Reveals Why He Didn't Want Parents to Attend Masters After Historic Win

After the green jacket eluded Rory McIlroy for 17 years, PGA star Rory McIlroy became the first player since 2001-02 (Tiger Woods) to win back-to-back title at the Masters Tournament.

McIlroy is just the fourth golfer in the Masters' 90-year year history to win twice in a row, joining Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Fauldo with the exclusive honor.

Cheering on McIlroy at Augusta National on April 12, his wife, Erica Stoll and their 5-year-old daughter, Poppy McIlroy. The Irish golfer's parents, Rosie and Gerry, also made a rare apperance.

Erica Stoll, Rory McIlroy wife — Apr 8, 2026: Rory McIlroy leans in to kiss his wife, Erica Stoll, on the ninth green during the Par 3 Contest at the Masters Tournament. | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Fans were thrilled to see McIrlory celebrate with his family, espeically his parents. Before this year's Masters, the famous golfer credited his mom and dad for his success.

“I think in terms of what they instilled in me, I think work ethic is something that -- my mom worked night shifts," he told reporters. "My dad worked multiple jobs. I think most people in this room know that. That was normal for me. That was normal as an upbringing."

Rory McIlroy just won the Master’s Golf Tournament and the Green Jacket that goes with it. This time, his parents (Rosy & Gerry) got to see it. They invested so much in his early life. Now they got to see their son win in front of the world. Congrats to the Irishman!! pic.twitter.com/olg6YYcMnp
— Glenn Burris (@glennburrisjr) April 12, 2026

McIrory, an only child also spoke about their involvement his Prime Video documentary, "Rory McIlroy: The Masters."

"My mom and dad have always been very reluctant to say anything or go on camera, but I thought that the documentary wouldn't be the same if because we did go back a little bit into the childhood and into the upbringing, it wouldn't have felt complete if we didn't hear from them."

Rory McIlroy Admits Being Superstitious of His Parents, Rosie and Gerry, Attending the 2026 Masters

After watching their son win the Masters from home in Holywood, Northern Ireland a year ago, Rory McIlroy's parents were greenside Sunday at Augusta National to watch him win a second Green Jacket.pic.twitter.com/o7CUe0XuaN
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 12, 2026

After his historic win, McIlroy sat down with Jim Nantz and revealed that he initially didn't want his parents to join the family in Augusta. Of course, the 36-year-old is glad he changed his mind.

"Incredible," he said of their presence. "It was the second major second major win she’s been at and second major win. She was at the Open in 2014…

Rory McIlroy, his mother, Rosie McIlroy — July 20, 2014: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, right, celebrates his winning with his mother Rosie on the 18th hole during the final round of the 143rd British Open Championship. | IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

"There’s a part of me that didn’t want them to come this year," McIlroy added, "because I thought if they didn’t come last year, maybe that was the reason. But I’m so glad they got to experience this today. We’re gonna have a great time tonight."

Time with his mom and dad is always special for the golfer. "I never spent a lot of time with my parents together," McIlory said of his childhood before the tournament started. "It was either with my dad or with my mom because always the other one was working."

"Mom and Dad I owe everything to you" - Rory McIIroy after winning his sixth major 🥹 pic.twitter.com/jDOYOox9gq
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 12, 2026

His parents no longer need to worry about work. After winning $4.2 million at last year's Masters, McIlroy bags another $4.5 million for being this year's winner.