Rory McIlroy repeats as Masters champion

Rory McIlroy has earned a rare repeat at the Masters. 

McIlroy became just the fourth golfer to earn back-to-back victories at Augusta National on Sunday for his second Masters championship, joining Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus. 

McIlroy finished the tournament 12 under par to get the win, one ahead of second-place finisher and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

McIlroy, 36, earned his first career green jacket in his 17th appearance in 2025.

He pulled away with a pair of birdies around Amen Corner and, as usual, saved a little drama for the end before taking his place in Augusta National history as only the fourth back-to-back champion.

In a final round where three players had a two-shot lead, McIlroy seized control for good with a bold shot over Rae’s Creek to 7 feet for birdie on the par-3 12th. Then he blistered a 350-yard drive on the par-5 13th that set up another birdie to move three shots ahead.

There were a few dicey moments, including a wild drive on the 18th that wound up closer to the 10th fairway. But he tapped in for bogey and a 1-under 71 for a one-shot victory.

Looking to defend his title, McIlroy was off to a great start over the first couple of days at Augusta. Going into the weekend, McIlroy held a six-shot lead — the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history — which had him in a prime position.

He saw his commanding lead evaporate after a tough Round 3 performance, which included three bogeys, four birdies and a double-bogey for a 73, dropping him to 11 under for the tournament. 

Cameron Young’s third-round 65 put pressure on McIlroy all day Saturday, and the 28-year-old went into Sunday with him at 11 under as well. This set him up to be paired with McIlroy for the final round.

Two-time Masters champion Scheffler put himself back into contention with a bogey-free weekend. However, he was unable to close the gap and missed his chance to become the sixth golfer to win three green jackets.

— With files from the Associated Press