Rory McIlroy showed why he is one of the game’s greats by holding off the world’s best to become only the fourth man to win successive Masters titles.
McIlroy’s belief that finally landing the Green Jacket last year would pave the way for more major victories proved prophetic.
Twelve months ago, the 36-year-old from Northern Ireland ended an 11-year wait to complete the career Grand Slam by winning at Augusta National, a victory which he felt 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 for the ages.
“I can’t believe I waited 17 times to get one Green Jacket and now I get two in a row,” said McIlroy, who 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.”
Rory McIlroy is the 15th man to win at least six major titles
McIlroy once again held off English veteran Justin Rose – whose 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 and 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, but 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.
Then, McIlroy faltered under the weight of history as a free-swinging Rose blitzed the back nine to force the extra hole.
Now, Rose felt the pressure – dropping shots at Amen Corner’s 11th and 12th holes – as McIlroy proved he truly was unburdened.
