He golf world once again surrendered to Rory McIlroywho was proclaimed champion of Masters Tournament 2026 after an exciting final day at Augusta National. The Northern Irishman scored 71 shots (-12 total) to win by a single shot and successfully defend his title.
McIlroy resists pressure and makes history again
At 36 years old, McIlroy once again demonstrated his resilience in one of the most demanding stages in golf. After losing a six-stroke lead on Saturday, Sunday started uphill with a double bogey on the 5th hole that left him behind Cameron Young.
However, he reacted with authority: consecutive birdies on holes 7 and 8, added to two others on holes 12 and 13, allowed him to regain the lead against elite rivals such as Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose.
A heart-stopping closing at Augusta National
The final stretch was pure suspense. McIlroy kept his cool with decisive shots on the 16th and 17th holes, but an error off the tee on the 18th took the ball into the woods, creating tension until the final moment.
Even so, he managed to save the situation with a shot into the bunker and a solid two-putt finish that secured him the title.
McIlroy joins a legendary group
With this victory, McIlroy joins legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only players to win the Masters consecutively.
Final classification of the Masters 2026
Rory McIlroy (-12)
Scottie Scheffler (-11)
Tyrrell Hatton (-10)
Russell Henley (-10)
Justin Rose (-10)
Cameron Young (-10)
A champion who never makes it easy
After the victory, McIlroy was clear: winning is not like before. “I don’t make it easy,” he acknowledged. And although his dominance on Friday seemed to doom the tournament, the weekend made it clear that nothing is guaranteed at Augusta.
