Can you find the big difference fans noticed in the amazing photos of Rory McIlroy?

There is a telling difference between these two photographs from Rory McIlroy’s career – but can you spot what it is after the 35-year-old golfer’s sensational 2025 Masters triumph at Augusta?

The Northern Irishman made history with his maiden Masters triumph on Sunday, becoming just the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam. 

The scene of McIlroy sinking to his knees in triumph after holing the decisive birdie in a play-off with Justin Rose was captured brilliantly by dozens of international photographers. 

In the picture, the Masters crowd have risen to their feet cheering the new Masters champion, who swiftly ran over to his wife Erica and four-year-old daughter Poppy after the triumph to celebrate. 

That iconic image of McIlroy on the 18th green in Augusta will undoubtedly go down in golf history, but it shows a key difference in the sport when compared to another picture of the 35-year-old golfer during the 2016 Ryder Cup.

Although it was Team USA who emerged victorious during the 2016 tournament, McIlroy topped the European standings with a superb display at Hazeltine National, contributing to one of the Ryder Cup’s most thrilling singles matches against Patrick Reed.

And although the 2016 picture was taken during a practice session, the spectators’ thrill and excitement is tangible as they watch McIlroy swing from the rough with the golfer just footsteps away.

The key difference here is that McIlroy is being photographed by a glut of smartphones as supporters lean in to take a picture of their hero.

It differs to the photograph taken at Augusta National, who now bans fans (or patrons at the club always refers to them) from taking such devices out on to the course. 

The 2025 picture shows just how joyous sport can be when fans are living in the moment — with only professional photographers on hand capture McIlroy’s triumph on their behalf for posterity.

Last week, Mail Sport’s, Chief Sports Feature Writer, Riath Al-Samarrai hailed Augusta’s technological blackout as a stroke of genius. When looking at the difference between these two photographs, it’s easy to see why.

The raw emotion was clear to see at Augusta after McIlroy’s victory was confirmed.

After his winning birdie putt dropped to seal the victory over his Ryder Cup teammate, McIlroy collapsed to the ground with his head in hands as his shoulders wracked with sobs.

Rising to his feet, he clung to caddie, Harry Diamond, who has been by McIlroy’s side through thick and thin for over seven years. The pair shared a tearful moment before the 2025 Masters winner acknowledged his dueling partner Rose.

Moments later, McIlroy rushed off the putting surface to where wife Stoll and daughter Poppy were waiting. 

He went straight to his wife of eight years, who wowed in an all-white ensemble and dramatic wide-brimmed hat, and pulled her into an embrace. 

The Northern Irishman then knelt down to hug Poppy, who looked overwhelmed by the occasion, before scooping her into his arms as the tears continued to spill over. 

The freshly-crowned five-time major winner later paid tribute to his family during his Green Jacket ceremony. 

‘Last but not least, over to my left, my family, my team,’ he said, trailing off as the tears threatened to spill again. 

‘They’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through. They know the burden that I’ve carried to come here every year and try and try and try again,’ he continued after recomposing himself. 

‘The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy, never give up on your dreams. Never ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back. Keep working hard.’