2 weeks Ago By Vincent Whelan
RORY McILROY says his rollercoaster play-off victory at The Masters drove his dad to drink.Gerry and mum Rosie watched on agonisingly back home as Irish Olympian McIlroy ended his 11-year Major drought to complete the career Grand Slam.GettyThey’ve gotten to celebrate many victories with him over the years despite his major drought[/caption]The 35-year-old became only the sixth man to complete the career Grand SlamSportsfileBut given the dramatic nature of the final round, which ebbed and flowed like nothing seen at Augusta for years, Gerry needed something to steady the nerves.
That is because his son blew a FIVE-SHOT lead in the space of 25 minutes and missed a short putt to win at 18, before eventually beating Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose on the first extra hole.McIlroy, who spoke to his parents after his Augusta triumph, explained: “Mum couldn’t stop crying.“Dad said it was the first time ever he’s watched me play golf on TV and he’s had to pour himself a drink.
“He was going through the emotions just as much as everyone else.“I can’t wait to see them next week. I can’t wait to celebrate this with them.
”McIlroy, 35, will have a week off before returning alongside close friend Shane Lowry as they defend their Zurich Classic of New Orleans title next week.His next individual event is set to be next month’s Truist Championship, where he is reigning and four-time champion. That will be his only other event before the USPGA Championship starts at Quail Hollow on May 15.
He added: “To get over that hump feels a massive weight off my back. “I’m playing with house money now — it’s going to free me up.“Hopefully it’s the start of a really great period of my career.
”His Augusta heroics helped make history as the most watched day ever on Sky Sports.The Holywood sensation ended his 11-year wait to join golf’s most exclusive table alongside Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.And, as he slipped his arms into a Green Jacket for the first time in Butler’s Cabin, a record 1.
85 MILLION viewers watched on from their homes on Sky Sports.That daily peak is a record for the broadcaster, who had 37 PER CENT of total TV viewership locked in on the Augusta action.While it was the most watched day in Sky Sports history, as 7.
5MILLION people tuned in across all of their channels to watch the sport between 6am and 2am.It wasn’t just McIlroy’s emotional Masters that brought in those figures either.It also featured Newcastle’s 4-1 thrashing of Manchester United, the Bahrain Grand Prix, the EFL Trophy final, Indian Premier League cricket and ATP Tennis.
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