Rory McIlroy joins elite group with consecutive Masters wins

Rory McIlroy has made history by becoming the first golfer to win back-to-back Masters titles since Tiger Woods, joining an exclusive list of successful major title defenders. Brooks Koepka was the most recent player to achieve this feat, winning consecutive PGA Championships. McIlroy overcame a dramatic final round, where he squandered a six-shot lead, to claim his second Green Jacket in a row. With a one-shot victory at Augusta National, McIlroy solidified his position among golfing greats. He responded to a Sunday scare with back-to-back birdies and successive gains to briefly take a three-shot lead. McIlroy avoided a repeat of his late stumble from the previous year, taking a two-shot lead to the final hole and closing out the win with a two-putt bogey. The world No 2 finished on 12 under, one ahead of Scottie Scheffler, with Tyrrell Hatton's final-round 66 securing third spot alongside Justin Rose, Cameron Young, and Russell Henley. McIlroy's achievement puts him in the company of golf legends, including Woods, Koepka, and Ben Hogan, who have all successfully defended their major titles. The exclusive club of successful major defenders also includes Curtis Strange, Nick Faldo, and Padraig Harrington, who have all achieved this impressive feat in their careers. With his sixth major win, McIlroy cements his position as one of the sport's top players and raises expectations for his future performances.