Golf star had teared up on Sunday as he spoke of returning home to see mum Rosie and dad Gerry
His private jet touched down at Belfast City Airport around 11.40am today.
Accompanied by daughter Poppy, he disembarked a few minutes later clutching a large cream bag, and carrying a backpack, before being driven away by a waiting car.
The Gulfstream G650ER – commonly known as a G6 – had left Farnborough Airport outside London around 10.45am.
Paul Kimmage at the Masters The Champion
Speculation had been mounting over when McIlroy was heading back to Northern Ireland after he had spoken on Sunday night about his mum Rosie and dad Gerry, who worked multiple jobs during his youth to fund his golfing dream.
He said: “I want to say hello to my mum and dad, they’re back at home in Northern Ireland. I can’t wait to see them next week and celebrate this with them.”
His plane took off from Palm Beach International airport shortly after 8pm local time on Tuesday, arriving just before 7.30am on Wednesday at Farnborough, before travelling on to Northern Ireland on Friday morning.
It’s unlikely to be a long stay at home, with McIlroy currently scheduled to play in next week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans on the PGA Tour as he begins his preparation for the next major; the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in mid-May.
His golf clubs were also spotted being carried off the jet, indicating that McIlroy won’t allow himself to get rusty even as he celebrates his victory at home.
Rory McIlroy arrives home to Northern Ireland on April 18th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
The Holywood golfer defeated Justin Rose in a play-off at Augusta National to win the 89th Masters and become the sixth man to win all four of golf’s Majors.
McIlroy said it was a “dream come true” after he became the first European golfer to win the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and Open Championship.
The achievement cemented his position amongst the best golfers of all time.
McIlroy also spoke about wife Erica and daughter Poppy after sealing Sunday’s dramatic win.
“They’ve been with on this journey with me the whole way through,” he said. “They know the burden I’ve had to come here every year to try and try again.
“One thing I’d say to my daughter Poppy is never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams.
“Keep coming back, keep working hard and if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”