US Masters 2026: Rory McIlroy makes history with title defense

What seemed like a curse for years has finally turned into an era of dominance. Rory McIlroy has won the US Masters 2026, writing a chapter in golf history that elevates him to the sport's most exclusive circle.

Here you can find the leaderboard of the US Masters 2026.

The crowning glory at Augusta: Rory's historic double at the US Masters 2026

When the last Putt from the shortest distance disappeared into the hole on Sunday evening, the tension was released in a primal scream. With a total score of 12 under Par, the 36-year-old Northern Irishman secured the famous Green Jacket for the second time in a row. This makes Rory McIlroy only the fourth player in the history of the tournament to successfully defend his title - a feat previously only achieved by Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.

"I can hardly believe it," a visibly moved McIlroy confessed to CBS Sports. "I've waited 17 years for my first Green Jacket and now I get two in a row. It feels like all my perseverance in this place is finally paying off."

Rollercoaster of emotions: the dramatic course of the tournament

The US Masters 2026 will be remembered by many fans as one of the most exciting tournaments in recent years. At half-time, it looked like a lonely demonstration of strength. On Friday evening, McIlroy led the field by six strokes - the largest lead after 36 holes in Augusta history. ESPN commentator Scott Van Pelt likened McIlroy's form to "Zeus hurling lightning bolts from Olympus".

But Saturday was a painful reminder of how unpredictable this course can be. With a round of 73, McIlroy completely squandered his cushion and suddenly had to share the lead with American Cameron Young. This was followed by night shifts on the driving range and motivational messages from mental coach Bob Rotella to stabilize his swing for the grand final.

Read here how much prize money was distributed at the US Masters 2026.

Decision in Amen Corner: nerves of steel at the US Masters 2026

On the final Sunday, the dream initially seemed to be shattered. A double bogey on the 4th and another Bogey on the 6th caused McIlroy to drop down the leaderboard. Veteran Justin Rose and Cameron Young took advantage of the weak phase and temporarily took the lead.

The turning point came at holes 11 to 13. While Justin Rose lost valuable shots in the notorious Amen Corner, McIlroy acted with cool precision. His Birdie on the 12th in particular was a milestone. "I remembered a piece of advice from Tom Watson: wait until you really feel the wind and then hit it straight away," McIlroy explained later. He placed his tee shot within two meters of the flag - the best shot of the day on this hole.

Scottie Scheffler's attack and the trembling on the 18th

While McIlroy battled at the top, world number 1 Scottie Scheffler started a furious chase to catch up. Scheffler went the entire weekend without a single Bogey - a statistical rarity at the US Masters. With a 68 on Sunday, he pushed McIlroy all the way to the end, but ended up in sole second place (-11), just one shot behind.

McIlroy saved the absolute drama for the last hole. His drive on the 18th sailed far to the right into the pine needles. But like a true champion, he saved the Bogey from the Bunker, which was exactly enough for victory. In the arms of his wife Erica and daughter Poppy, he celebrated a triumph that now puts him on a par with Sir Nick Faldo with six major titles.

A place in the golf pantheon

With this victory at the US Masters 2026, McIlroy has not only cemented his status as the best European of the present day, but has also shown that the pressure of the "Career Grand Slam" has finally been lifted from him. Paul McGinley (Golf Channel) summed it up aptly: "Many thought last year's Grand Slam was the pinnacle. But he has reinvented himself."