Heartwarming Preparations for Rory McIlroy's Grand Homecoming
Rory McIlroy's famous pals and neighbours have been busy making special preparations in a bid to welcome their Masters champion home after his major victory on Sunday.
Celebrations in Holywood and Jupiter
The 35-year-old etched his named in the history books when he completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta National on April 14, beating England's Justin Rose in a play-off and finally getting his hands on the elusive green jacket. His hometown of Holywood was buzzing on Monday as locals celebrated and told of their pride, but meanwhile in his other home of Jupiter, Florida, where he lives with wife Erica and daughter Poppy, his famous neighbours were also making plans to give him a hero's welcome home. Diane Donald, wife of golf star and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has been sharing her plans on social media to show their appreciation for Rory's achievement. Sharing an image on Instagram large green and yellow blocks, Diane wrote: 'Haven't done this since I was in high school.' She followed it with an image of green and yellow streamers hanging from a large tree, adding: 'But it's not every day your neighbour wins the Masters and completes the Grand Slam.' Diane also revealed how McIlroy's famous victory on Sunday evening left them in 'tears', such was their delight and emotion for their friend and neighbour having finally achieved his dream after more than a decade of trying. McIlroy threatened to squander a five-shot lead with eight holes to play before holding his nerve to birdie the first extra hole after an extraordinary final day at Augusta National. 'It’s a dream come true,' McIlroy said. 'I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember. Watching Tiger (Woods) here in 1997 do what he did, winning his first green jacket, I think that inspired so many of my generation to want to emulate what he did. It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time. The last 10 years coming here with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulder and trying to achieve it, I wonder what we’re going to talk about going into next year. 'I’m absolutely honoured, thrilled and proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.'