Rory McIlroy wasn’t the only one to feel the love from Justin Rose’s wife, Kate, after the golfers’ sudden death playoff at the 2025 Masters.
In the immediate aftermath of Rory, 35, sinking a putt to defeat Justin, 44, in the first playoff hole on Sunday, April 13, Kate embraced Rory’s wife, Erica Stoll, who was standing nearby at the 18th green.
Golf writer Kyle Porter shared an image of the moment via X and wrote, “Oh wow I didn’t see this one either, but Kate hugged Erica about 3 seconds after the putt dropped.”
CBS cameras later caught Rory and Kate sharing a 13-second hug after he walked off the green. With their arms wrapped around each other, Kate could be heard telling McIlroy she was “really happy” for him.
Rory, who was born in Ireland, and Justin, who was born to English parents and moved to England from South Africa when he was 5, have been friends for years, with the two competing together on multiple Ryder Cup teams.
Kate and Justin have been married since 2006 and share two children: son Leo, 16, and daughter Charlotte, 13.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Masters trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the 2025 Masters Tournament. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
McIlroy has been married to Erica since 2017, though the couple briefly split last year after McIlroy filed for divorce in May 2024. The golfer later rescinded the divorce filing just one month later. McIlroy and Stoll share daughter Poppy, 4.
After the dramatic final round, Justin congratulated Rory on his win, which saw him become just the 6th golfer in history to complete the career grand slam.
“I gave it everything….,” Justin posted via X on Sunday evening. “Congratulations @McIlroyRory on winning the @TheMasters and completing the Grand Slam.. very cool sharing the green with you in that moment… Thank you Team 🌹 as always for all the support during the week… We go again 👊🏻.”
In an interview with CBS’ Amanda Balionis after the tournament, Rose said, “Obviously I wanted to be the bad guy today but still, it’s a momentous occasion for the game of golf.”
During his own interview with Balionis, 38, which was posted on Monday, April 14, McIlroy thanked his “incredible support system the whole way throughout my life,” including his daughter who was on hand at the Masters to celebrate with her dad.
“To have Poppy there — I want to make her proud,” McIlroy said. “I want her to be able to experience these things. I said on the green during the trophy presentation, I hadn’t given up for 17 years. I think that’s a really good lesson for any young boy or girl who was watching. To never give up on your dreams and to keep fighting for it. If you do the work and you put in the effort that you can achieve anything.”
