Rory McIlroy held his nerve to secure a second consecutive Masters victory at Augusta National, finishing on 12 under par, one shot ahead of Scottie Scheffler. The 36-year-old becomes the fourth player to successfully defend the title, following Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
McIlroy’s triumph was far from straightforward. After holding a six-shot lead at halfway, his advantage evaporated following a double bogey at the fourth and a dropped shot at the sixth. However, birdies at the seventh, eighth, 12th and 13th restored his dominance. A nervy finish saw him bogey the last, but it was enough to secure victory.
Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, emerged as McIlroy’s main challenger but struggled with his putter throughout the tournament. Birdies at the 15th and 16th brought him close, but a missed opportunity at the 17th and a wayward second at the 18th ended his hopes. Third place at 10 under was shared by Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Russell Henley and Cameron Young.
Justin Rose, who started the final day with a chip-in birdie at the first, held the lead at 12 under after three consecutive birdies from the seventh. However, wayward approaches at the 11th and 12th dropped him back. A missed short putt for par at the 17th curtailed his challenge. Tyrrell Hatton shot a 66 to set the clubhouse lead at 10 under.
McIlroy paid an emotional tribute to his parents after the victory. “I wanted to come back here and prove last year wasn’t a fluke,” he said. “The Masters continues to be the shining light of the majors. I am so honoured and thrilled to win for a second time.” With six major titles, he has surpassed Seve Ballesteros.
