Rory McIlroy secured his second consecutive Masters at Augusta National on Sunday, though he made sure it wouldn't be a stress-free walk up the 18th fairway. After holding a six-shot 36-hole lead, McIlroy watched it vanish entirely on Saturday and found himself two strokes behind through six holes on Sunday before mounting a remarkable comeback. "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. It's just hard."

The dramatic final round came after McIlroy spent the three weeks leading up to the tournament treating Augusta like his personal practice facility, playing round after round to rediscover his affinity for a golf course that had once vexed him. Sources suggested he shot a would-be course record 62 during one of those practice sessions. Despite not having his best ball-striking, his scrambling and short game carried him through Amen Corner, where he played five shots better than he did a year ago.

The emotional victory was complete when McIlroy, after slipping into his green jacket, turned to his parents who attended in person this year after watching from home during his 2025 triumph. "Mom and dad, I owe everything to you," McIlroy said through tears. "You're the most wonderful parents." His mother had even brought a handbag painted with newspaper clippings from his previous Masters win.