Rory McIlroy’s young daughter Poppy drains epic Masters putt at Par 3 Contest
A lot of attention has been focused on Rory McIlroy at the 2025 Masters as he makes another attempt to win his first green jacket. But another McIlroy, Rory’s young daughter Poppy, stole the spotlight on Wednesday with an incredible putt during the Masters Par 3 Contest.
Every Wednesday of Masters week, players participate in the Masters Par 3 Contest at Augusta National’s Par 3 Course. However, the pros aren’t the stars of the fun exhibition. Instead, their children, wives, and family members take center stage. The kids get dressed up in classic white Masters caddie suits and tag along with their dads as they play the course. Because the competition is mostly for fun, pros also sometimes let their family members, and even young kids, hit some shots during the event.
This year, Rory brought his four-year-old daughter, Poppy, along for the fun. And Poppy didn’t waste her moment in the spotlight. Instead, the toddler provided a highlight her dad will struggle to top for the rest of Masters week. At the 9th hole of the Par 3 Course, McIlroy’s tee shot found an elevated part of the green, leaving his ball a good 25 feet or more from the hole, with only a steep downslope between his ball and the cup.
Instead of taking on the challenging putt himself, Rory decided to let Poppy have a go. Poppy didn’t seem overcome with the pressure. Cradling her dad’s putter awkwardly in her arms, she delicately tapped the ball for the extremely slick putt. At first, it seemed like the ball would come to a stop on a ridge well short of the hole. But then it crested the high point and started rolling directly toward the cup. McIlroy’s playing partners Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood took note and prepared for the celebration. The rest is history.
Once Poppy’s putt dropped, it sent the patrons gathered around the green — along with Lowry and Fleetwood — into hysterics. Lowry and Fleetwood’s young daughters ran up to Poppy to congratulate her. But all the attention finally seemed to get to her, so she found shelter in Rory’s arms.
Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood's son, Frankie Fleetwood, also made headlines during the Masters Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The seven-year-old gave an adorable interview that quickly captured the hearts of golf fans. Asked by Sky Sports how regularly he had been practicing his upcoming shot off the ninth tee, he gave a response that felt remarkably polished for his age.
"Well I've been doing my hardest to get it over the green," Frankie said, showcasing his determination. "I've been practicing as hard as I can, just not reaching it this year. But, I'm just trying my hardest." Fans were quick to praise the young boy on social media, with one commenting, "Frankie speaks better than most post-match football interviews." Another added, "Oh he is so cute. Bless," while a third remarked, "The cutest ever."
As the Par 3 Contest unfolded, it became clear that the event serves as a light-hearted prelude to the serious competition of the Masters Tournament. The presence of the players' children adds a wholesome touch to the festivities, highlighting the familial bonds that exist within the sport. Young Frankie, alongside his father Tommy Fleetwood, who is hoping to win his first Major at Augusta, was seen cheering for his fellow young competitors. Frankie even applauded Shane Lowry’s daughter, Iris, when she made a putt, displaying a sportsmanship that belies his tender age.
Tommy Fleetwood, who has previously finished as a runner-up at the US Open in 2018 and The Open Championship in 2019, is looking to shake the title of one of golf's 'nearly-men' this weekend at Augusta. The young talents showcased at the Par 3 Contest not only entertain but also remind fans of the future of the sport, as these kids could one day follow in their parents' footsteps.
As the 2025 Masters Tournament approaches, the excitement is palpable. Rory McIlroy is still in pursuit of that elusive green jacket, while Tommy Fleetwood hopes to finally claim a Major title. The Par 3 Contest, with its mix of laughter, joy, and youthful exuberance, sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Masters week.
For now, both Rory and Tommy can take pride in their children’s performances, which have undoubtedly added a special flavor to this year’s event. As fans eagerly await the start of the tournament, the memories made during the Par 3 Contest will linger long after the final putt is played.
