Rory McIlroy beats Scottie Scheffler to repeat the Masters title

The Northern Irishman became the fourth golfer in history to win back-to-back green jackets, finishing with 12-under par at historic Augusta National Golf Club.

Tiger Woods He was the last person to achieve this rare achievement, when he won repeatedly in 2001 and 2002.

Click here for more sports coverage FoxNews.com

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates his 2026 Masters win on the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

With so many competitors in the mix, the margin for error was slim Sunday at Augusta National. Two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler finished just one shot behind McIlroy at 11 years old. Meanwhile, Justin Rose, last year’s Masters runner-up, finished tied for third.

For a brief moment, Rose held a two-shot lead going into the final round at Augusta National, until a series of errors by Amin Corner and two birdies by the defending champion down the same stretch gave him another dose of disappointment.

“Just an opportunity that slipped away,” Rose, who McIlroy said She excelled in the playoff Last year, he later expressed his regret.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates hitting the 18th green during the final round of the 2026 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

Despite a dismal round on Saturday and a slow start on Sunday, McIlroy rallied in the final round on Sunday to see off the competition.

McIlroy held a Masters scored by six shots After 36 holes, an early stumble on Sunday left him in a tie for fourth before he regained control and cruised to back-to-back titles.

Over the years, when the Masters opened the major championship season, McIlroy overcame questions about whether he could complete a career Grand Slam. But last year’s upset playoff win over Justin Rose at Augusta National silenced those doubts.

Masters prize money has never been higher, here’s what every golfer gets

“I can’t believe I waited 17 years for one green jacket and then got two in a row,” McIlroy said before Masters president Fred Ridley donned the green jacket.

McIlroy now joins a short list that includes Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo.

McIlroy cried as he spoke of his parents, Jerry and Rosie, who traveled to Georgia to witness his second Masters title.

Last year, they stayed home in Northern Ireland for their son’s first Masters win. “I had to convince them to come because they thought the reason I won (last year) was because they weren’t here,” McIlroy joked.

Rory McIlroy (R) of Northern Ireland celebrates with his father Gerry (L) during the Green Jacket Ceremony after his victory during the final round of the 2026 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Reddington/Getty Images)

He added: “You are both the most amazing parents, and if I can be half of Bobby’s father, then I know I’ve done a good job.”

Click here to download the FOX NEWS app

During his return to Washington from Florida on Sunday evening, President Donald Trump congratulated McIlroy in a message Posted on Social Truth“Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another great tournament, The Masters!” he wrote.

Trump added that McIlroy “performed tremendously under intense pressure, something that few people would be able to think of doing.”

McIlroy took first place with $4.5 million Portfolio worth $22.5 million.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter..