Rory McIlroy won the Master’s Tournament for the second consecutive year at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia on April 12. McIlroy became the fourth repeat champion in the tournament’s history, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. He is the first golfer to successfully defend his title since Woods in 2002.
McIlroy’s victory over Scottie Scheffler was much closer than the final scorecard suggests. Friday proved to be the most critical day of the tournament. McIlroy shot 65, finishing with six birdies on his last seven holes. By reaching 12-under par through 132 total holes, McIlroy set the Masters record for the largest 36-hole lead at six shots.
On Saturday, Cameron Young itched toward the lead by shooting a 65, tying McIlroy at 11-under par after 54 holes. Entering Sunday morning, 12 players sat within six shots of the lead. On Sunday, Scheffler finished with 68 and a bogey-free weekend, but could not beat out Justin Rose who led through nine straight holes. McIlroy reclaimed control of the match with massive birdies on holes 12 and 13 before surviving a closing tree-ridden bogey on 18.
McIlroy commented on the win and his parents in attendance, who were not able to attend Augusta National last year to witness his first Masters victory.
“I just can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one Green Jacket and I get two in a row,” McIlroy said. “I caught myself on the golf course a couple of times thinking about them [his parents], and I was like ‘No, not yet.’ It’s really cool to have them here.”
As a veteran presence across the sport, it appears McIlroy’s championship defense has taken on a different meaning in recent years. In 2022, Rory McIlroy publicly rejected massive offers from LIV Golf and became one of the most outspoken defenders of the PGA Tour. With many PGA golfers transitioning to the Saudi-based league, his stance proved polarizing at the time among fans and players alike. However, as LIV’s trajectory has evolved, McIlroy’s early criticism has increasingly been viewed by many as correct, reshaping how his loyalty to the PGA Tour is perceived today.
Scheffler, who won the tournament in 2022 and 2024, addressed his one-stroke loss to McIlroy.
“I think the major championships bring out the best in me,” Scheffler said. “I had a good week this week. There’s a few shots I’d like to have back, but overall [I] put up a good fight.”
Commercially, the Tournament was a major success. CBS reported an average of 14 million American viewers, peaking at about 20 million. This year’s Tournament was the most-watched Master’s final round since 2015, and the largest overall peak since 2013.
The win for McIlroy served as his fifth major championship, and a cherry on top of the Career Grand Slam he earned following his 2025 victory.
