Rory McIlroy’s four-year-old daughter stole the show at this year’s pre-Masters par 3 contest after she converted a lengthy putt on the final hole.
The Masters Par 3 Contest has taken place on the eve of the first major tournament of the year since 1960.
It often sees professionals joined by family and friends to caddie for them – a role taken up this year by Rory’s daughter Poppy.
More: Rory McIlroy heads into Masters in fine form as he targets career grand slam
The four-year-old perfectly sized up a 25-foot putt on the final green of the nine-hole course to close out her father’s round on Wednesday.
Poppy McIlroy converts the lengthy putt on No. 9! #themasters pic.twitter.com/6Vfkfxm3v7
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2025
Rory and fellow Irish golfing champion Shane Lowry celebrated as the putt made its way into the hole, with Lowry’s daughter running to hug her fellow caddie.
Looking slightly confused following the reaction, she was comforted by a warm embrace from her dad.
Speaking afterwards, McIlroy said it was “very cool”.
“It’s just such a fun afternoon,” he said.
“Being out there with Shane and Tommy [Fleetwood] and their families; we’re all very, very close, so to have the kids out there and them having fun is the most important thing.”
The pre-Masters event is often celebrated for its fun and family-orientated nature, allowing players to enjoy themselves ahead of the tournament’s kick-off.
This year’s Par 3 Contest was won by Colombian Nicolas Echavarria and American JJ Spaun at five under par.
McIlroy finished his round at two over, however winning the pre-tournament event has come to be considered a bad omen for players hoping to get their hands on a green jacket.
To date, no player has gone on to win the Masters in the same year as winning the par three contest.
Rory heads into this week’s tournament hoping to win the only major which has so far eluded him.
The Holywood native’s last major victory came when he picked up his second PGA Championship in 2014.
He heads into this year’s Masters as one of the favourites, having won the Players’ Championship in March.
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