Home / Latest Golf News McIlroy puts his fans through the wringer once again at The Masters: I dont make it easy Rory McIlroy retained The Masters title with another brilliant performance at Augusta Written by Jon Fisher Last Update: April 13, 2026 08:58:08 am BST 1 min read Rory McIlroy admitted winning majors was easier when he was younger but still found enormous pleasure in grinding out his second successive Masters victory last night. The Ulsterman claimed his second green jacket after holding off world number one Scottie Scheffler and a host of other players, including Justin Rose, to retain the title on a drama-filled day at Augusta.Having led by six shots at the midway point of the tournament, it was a tight ending Table of Contents1 McIlroy losing would have been a bitter pill to swallow2 Rose comes short once againMcIlroy losing would have been a bitter pill to swallowHis victory in 2025 saw him win the career Grand Slam after 11 years of trying and this success was no less satisfying.McIlroy added: I thought it was so difficult to win last year because of trying to win the Masters and the Grand Slam, and then this year I realised its just really difficult to win the Masters.Just absolutely delighted to be able to get it done. Having a six-shot lead going into the weekend it would have been a bitter pill to swallow if I wasnt able to get myself over the finish line.The 36-year-old became just the fourth man in history to win the tournament in successive years after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.He said: I cant believe I waited 17 years to get one Green Jacket and now I get two in a row. All my perseverance at this golf course over the years has started to pay off.It was a tough weekend but Im so happy to hang in there and get the job done. I wanted to come back and prove last year wasnt a fluke.Rose comes short once againIt was another superb effort from Rose, who led by two shots at one stage on Sunday, but then faltered through Amen Corner.The Englishman now has a third-placed finish on his record having also finished as runner-up three times.It is another little stinger, said Rose. I was by no means free and clear, and nowhere close to having the job done, but I was right in position. Topics: Rory McIlroy The Masters 2026 Follow us: Jon Fisher Head of News Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events. Read more from Jon Fisher
