Rory McIlroy has cemented his place in golf history with a dramatic title defense at The Masters, overcoming a series of challenges to emerge victorious at Augusta National. McIlroy, who held the largest 36-hole lead in tournament history, slipped into a share of the lead heading into the final day but recovered from falling two behind to produce another stunning success. The world No 2 trailed playing partner Cameron Young and Justin Rose at various points during the final round, where McIlroy posted back-to-back birdies to get back on track.
He added further birdies around Amen Corner to move three ahead with five to play, then closed out an impressive victory despite bogeying his 72nd hole for a second successive year. This win sees McIlroy match Sir Nick Faldo's tally of six major titles and become just the fourth to win back-to-back editions of The Masters, following in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus, Faldo, and Tiger Woods. "I'm still in disbelief that I had to wait 17 years for my first Green Jacket, and now I've won two in a row," McIlroy said. "My perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has finally paid off.
It was a tough weekend, but I'm thrilled to have hung in there and gotten the job done." McIlroy's final-round 71 included five birdies, a bogey, and a double-bogey, with several players in contention during a thrilling major Sunday. Here's a hole-by-hole breakdown of how McIlroy closed out another major triumph... McIlroy's victory has made headlines in the golf world, with the next men's major being the PGA Championship from May 14-17, held at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.