Rory McIlroy came through on the back nine on Sunday at the 2026 Masters, defending his title and capturing a second Green Jacket.
McIlroy becomes the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters Tournaments, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
“I just can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one Green Jacket and now I get two in a row,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy, who either led by himself or had a share of the lead all week, also became just the fourth player over the past 45 years to go wire-to-wire to win the Masters. Dustin Johnson (2020), Jordan Spieth (2015) and Trevor Immelman (2008) also did it.
But that’s not the end of milestones for McIlroy. The win at the Masters was his sixth major championship, which ties him with Nick Faldo for the most by a European player in the modern era. Since Faldo never completed the Grand Slam, McIlroy may well be the greatest European player in history—and his career is far from over. He could, conceivably win a second Grand Slam in his career.
Scottie Scheffler, who won the Green Jacket in 2022 and 2024, almost made another win. Scheffler posted a second consecutive bogey-free round, posting 4-under 68. He finished one stroke behind McIlroy.
“I knew going into today I was going to have to do something special if I wanted to catch him and Cam,” Scheffler said. “I was close, but just a few shots here or there.”
Justin Rose, a runner-up three times and who has lost twice in a playoff, including last year to McIlroy, was in the mix again on Sunday, holding the lead early in the second nine. But Rose struggled a bit down the stretch and finished two strokes back in a tie for third after shooting 2-under 70.
Cam Young was in the mix the entire final round. He finished tied for third after shooting 1 over 73. Russell Henry and Tyrrell Hatton also finished tied for third. They each earned $1,530,000. Scotty Sheffler earned $2,430,000 for second place with McIlroy taking home $4,500,000 for the win.
McIlroy said, “I think of all the big sports, I do think it is the most mental. It’s the most challenging mentally. I think it’s hard to stay in the same mental space for four days in a row.”
McIlroy had a record six-stroke lead through 36 holes that was gone by the start of Sunday. Yet, he prevailed in the end.
There may not be a more exciting time in golf than the back nine at Augusta National on Sunday afternoon. This year, with the players so close at the top, we hung on every shot. Even the last, when McIlroy’s tee shot on 18 went to the right in the woods and he somehow got his ball back in play to go on to win in an encore performance.
There is something rejuvenating about the Masters. It is a homecoming to the same hallowed grounds every year. To the beauty of the azaleas, the dogwoods, the undulating greens, and the elevation of the golf course that presents itself as the ultimate challenge. Yes, we have our U.S. Open Championship and the other Majors, but there is no place like home, and Augusta National golf course feels like home. I can’t wait until next year.
Enjoy your golf.
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