GOLFER Rory McIlroy and his wife are celebrating the birth of "the absolute love of our lives".
The Co Down sports star yesterday announced the arrival of the couple's first child, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy.
Sharing a photograph on social media of the baby girl's tiny hand clutching his finger, he said his wife Erica Stoll had given birth on Monday.
The four-time major winner from Hollywood also thanked staff at Jupiter Medical Centre in Florida for their "amazing care".
"Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, born August 31st, 12:15pm," he wrote.
"She is the absolute love of our lives. Mother and baby are doing great.
"Massive thank you to all the staff at Jupiter Medical Center and Dr Sasha Melendy for their amazing care."
The 31-year-old will today begin the defence of his Tour Championship title as a new father after confirming last night that he would compete in the competition in Atlanta.
There had been some doubt that he would take part after he was taken off the interview schedule yesterday afternoon.
He had said last week that he was willing to withdraw from BMW Championship or the Tour Championship if his New York-born wife had went into labour.
Celebrities and fellow sports stars were quick to congratulate the golfer on becoming a dad.
Holywood-born actor Jamie Dornan was among those to congratulate the couple.
"Already a wee legend! Can’t wait to meet her. Congrats team McIlroy," he wrote.
American golfer Rickie Fowler also said: "Congrats dad", while former footballer Jamie Redknapp added: "Congrats guys."
Fans also expressed their delight at the news.
One wrote: "Congratulations. A trophy at the end of this weekend will be nice but you just received the greatest gift of life".
There was also a message of congratulations from the Cancer Fund for Children, a charity in Northern Ireland that has been supported by McIlroy. It said: "We are so happy for you all".
The announcement about the birth comes just days after the news first emerged that the couple were expecting a baby.
They had managed to keep the news of the pregnancy secret until last week when it was revealed by a golf commentator during a live broadcast of the BMW Championship.
Steve Sands, of the Golf Channel, let the secret out when he revealed that the couple were expecting a girl.
Speaking after the news emerged, McIlroy said: "I didn't think it was something that I really particularly needed to share out there.
"It's a private matter, but we're really excited and can't wait for her to get here."
McIlroy first started dating Erica in 2015 and they married in April 2017 at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo.
They first met during the 2012 Ryder Cup, when she worked for the Professional Golf Association of America. She famously helped the golfer make his tee time for an important Sunday singles match after he overslept.
They live in an £8.5m mansion in the Bears Club golf development in Juniper, Florida.
