Rory McIlroy has expressed his delight at securing a record-breaking Masters title, admitting it would have been tough to accept not converting a historic halfway lead into a win. McIlroy became the fourth player to achieve back-to-back Masters victories, joining the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.
Despite building a six-shot lead midway through the tournament, McIlroy fell behind on the final day but managed to recover with four birdies, ultimately claiming his sixth major title with a one-shot win over Scottie Scheffler. 'It's just really difficult to win The Masters,' McIlroy said, reflecting on his win.
'I tried to convince myself it was both, but it's just really difficult to win here.' McIlroy's victory marks his second consecutive Masters win, with the Northern Irishman having previously completed the Grand Slam in 2014. He noted that having a six-shot lead going into the weekend would have made it a 'bitter pill to swallow' if he hadn't managed to secure the win. McIlroy started the final round tied for the lead but lost ground after a double-bogey at the par-three fourth hole.
However, he regained his composure, adding back-to-back birdies from the 12th to put himself three ahead with five to play. A one-under 71 was enough to hold off Scheffler's charge, with McIlroy ultimately emerging victorious. 'I don't make it easy,' McIlroy admitted. 'I used to make it easy back in my early 20s when I was winning these things by eight shots.
No, it's just hard. It's hard to win golf tournaments, especially around here.' McIlroy's perseverance at the tournament has finally paid off, with the golfer claiming his second Green Jacket in as many years.
'I just can't believe I waited 17 years to get one Green Jacket and I get two in a row,' he added.