Rory McIlroy has become the first golfer to win back-to-back Masters titles since Tiger Woods, after a dramatic final round at Augusta National. McIlroy, who had built a six-stroke lead halfway through the tournament, found himself two strokes behind early in the final round. However, he responded with consecutive birdies to briefly take a three-stroke lead, before fending off challenges from Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler to secure a narrow one-stroke victory.
McIlroy's win sees him join an elite group of golfers, including Jack Nicklaus and Sir Nick Faldo, to have won consecutive Masters titles. The 36-year-old has now won six major titles, cementing his position as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
McIlroy avoided a repeat of last year's late stumble, where he squandered a four-stroke lead, to take a two-stroke lead into the final hole and close out the win with a two-putt bogey. The world No 2 posted a one-under 71 to finish on 12 under, one stroke ahead of Scheffler, with Tyrrell Hatton's final-round 66 securing third place alongside Rose, Young, and Russell Henley.
McIlroy's victory is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport, and he will now look to build on this success in upcoming tournaments.