Rory McIlroy made history with a successful title defense at The Masters, overcoming obstacles to claim victory at Augusta National. McIlroy held the largest 36-hole lead in tournament history but found himself tied for the lead heading into the final day.
He recovered from falling two behind to secure a dramatic win, posting back-to-back birdies to get back on track. McIlroy added further birdies around Amen Corner to move three ahead with five to play and closed out an impressive victory despite bogeying his 72nd hole for the second successive year. The win saw McIlroy match Sir Nick Faldo's tally of six major titles and become the fourth player to win back-to-back editions of The Masters. McIlroy's final-round 71 included five birdies, a bogey, and a double-bogey, with several players in contention during a thrilling major Sunday.
A hole-by-hole breakdown of McIlroy's round reveals the twists and turns that led to his victory. McIlroy reflected on his win, saying, 'I think all of my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off. It was a tough weekend. I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday.
But just so, so happy to hang in there and get the job done.' The next men's major is the PGA Championship, held at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, and will be live on Sky Sports.