Rory McIlroy secured his second successive Masters title. He held off the world’s best to become only the fourth man to win successive Masters titles.
McIlroy’s Perseverance Pays Off
McIlroy’s belief that landing the Green Jacket last year would pave the way for more major victories proved prophetic. The 36-year-old from Northern Ireland ended an 11-year wait to complete the career Grand Slam by winning at Augusta National twelve months ago. He felt that the victory would allow him to play with more freedom when he returned in the future.
That is exactly what he has been able to do – at the first opportunity. McIlroy shot a final-day 71 to finish on 12 under, one stroke clear of world number one Scottie Scheffler, on another Masters Sunday.
“I can’t believe I waited 17 times to get one Green Jacket and now I get two in a row,” said McIlroy. He clinched his sixth major to draw level with England’s Sir Nick Faldo.
“All my perseverance at this golf course over the years has started to pay off.”
Rose’s Augusta Dream Dashed Again
Rory McIlroy is the 15th man in history to win at least six major titles. McIlroy once again held off English veteran Justin Rose. Rose’s own Augusta dream was dashed again by his European Ryder Cup team-mate.
Rose, 45, was aiming to become the oldest first-time Masters champion. He looked to be creating his own fairytale story when he moved into a one-shot lead midway through his final round.
He was beaten by McIlroy in a play-off last year. Rose put himself in position to avenge that defeat as McIlroy’s stone-cold putter loosened his grip on the tournament.
But, with a stacked leaderboard jostling for position behind them, there was a role reversal from the pair’s thrilling battle last year. Rose felt the pressure – dropping shots at Amen Corner’s 11th and 12th holes – as McIlroy proved he truly was unburdened.
Staying Patient on the Final Day
There had been doubts. McIlroy exuded serenity on the first two days as he surged into a record six-shot lead at the halfway stage. The same issue caught up with him in Saturday’s third round when he could not take advantage of scoreable conditions and allowed the field to close the gap.
Like all great players, McIlroy ironed out his swing kinks and sacrificed distance with the driver for a greater accuracy. This underpinned a gutsy one-under 71 in Sunday’s finale.
The ability to stay patient and solve the problems which he faced was the key. McIlroy joined Jack Nicklaus, Faldo and Tiger Woods as back-to-back winners.
Selected Scores:
- -12 R McIlroy (NI)
- -11 S Scheffler (US)
- -10 T Hatton (Eng), R Henley US, J Rose (Eng), C Young (US)
- -9 C Morikawa (US)
- -8 X Schauffele (US)
- -5 J Spieth (US)
- -4 M Fitzpatrick (Eng)
- -3 L Aberg (Swe)