Rory McIlroy secured his second consecutive Masters title on 12/4, finishing at 12-under par on the par-72 Augusta National course. This victory, following his 2025 win where he defeated Justin Rose in the first playoff hole after both finished at 11-under par, marks a significant achievement. It ended his 11-year major title drought and completed his career grand slam.

"I wanted to come back here and prove that last year's win wasn't a fluke," McIlroy stated after successfully defending his title this year.

McIlroy lifts the coveted trophy at Agusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, US on 12/4/2026. Photo: Reuters

The former world number one from Northern Ireland performed exceptionally. He held a 6-stroke lead at the end of round two, the largest lead in Masters history. In round three, the golfer played inconsistently but held his lead with Cameron Young, both at 11-under par. At least 10 contenders, including world number one Scottie Scheffler, were in contention.

In round four, McIlroy faced challenges only in the front nine, starting last with Young. The most significant setback for the defending champion was a double bogey on the 4th hole, after his ball was 2,9 meters from the hole but required three putts. This put McIlroy three strokes behind.

Other contenders, such as Young, Rose, and Russell Henley, gradually fell back. Only Scheffler, playing directly ahead of McIlroy, posed a threat, showing consistent play with only birdies or pars. McIlroy steadily advanced, and after his fifth birdie on the 13th hole, he gained a significant advantage: reaching 13-under par and leading by three strokes.

Scheffler applied pressure by finishing at 11-under par, while McIlroy held a two-stroke lead with three holes remaining. Ultimately, no surprises occurred. On the 18th green, McIlroy smiled despite missing a putt for par. The ball was close to the hole, allowing him to record a bogey and secure the championship at 12-under par. After his success, McIlroy looked skyward, shouting in celebration.

"I cannot believe I waited 17 years to don the green jacket for the first time, and now it's two consecutive times," McIlroy stated as he put on the champion's Green Jacket. "I think that persistence with this tournament has really started to pay off." He then lifted the clubhouse-shaped trophy and collected 4.5 million USD in prize money.

McIlroy shouts in celebration on the 18th green at Agusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, US on 12/4/2026. Photo: Reuters

McIlroy now holds six majors among his 30 titles on the PGA Tour US and DP World Tour Europe. Born in 1989, the golfer turned professional in 2007 and has accumulated 122 weeks as world number one.

Before McIlroy, only three golfers in the tournament's history had successfully defended their titles: Jack Nicklaus (1965-1966), Nick Faldo (1989-1990), and Tiger Woods (2001-2002).

Launched in 1934, the Masters is the youngest of the four men's golf majors, following The Open (1860), US Open (1895), and PGA Championship (1916). However, it is renowned for its exclusivity and unique traditions. In the event's history, legend Nicklaus, known as "Golden Bear", holds the record with six victories.

Quoc Huy