2026 Masters RECAP: How Rory McIlroy created more Augusta history

Speaking at the trophy presentation, McIlroy says: ‘My parting message last year was “I can’t wait to come back next year and put my green jacket on myself.

‘I wasn’t quite correct, because the chairman did it, but I did want to come back and prove that last year wasn’t a fluke.

‘This is an absolutely incredible golf tournament, so unique in so many ways.’

Daniel Matthews at Augusta: Rory McIlroy was overcome with emotion after sealing back-to-back Masters titles in front of his parents.

Gerry and Rosie McIlroy were not at Augusta 12 months ago when their son finally ended his agonizing wait for a green jacket.

But on Sunday evening, they were beside the 18th green with McIlroy’s wife, Erica, and his daughter, Poppy, when he sealed a one-shot victory after holding off a host of rivals including Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose.

The Northern Irishman broke down as he paid tribute to his family in both the Butler Cabin and during the trophy presentation.

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After holing out his putt on the 18th green, an emotional McIlroy stooped down and hugged his daughter, Poppy.

He then beckoned over his wife, Erica Stoll – planting a kiss on her and embracing her before receiving congratulations from other members of his family.

The victorious native of Holywood, County Down, then raised his arms in triumph as he walked his way to the Augusta club house where he was hugged by friends Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood.

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Riath Al-Samarrai at Augusta: Rory McIlroy has won the Masters again. And just like the last time, all of 364 days ago, it was truly magnificent. But if there ever comes a point when he surrenders the green jacket, his nearest and dearest ought to invest in the kind that fastens at the back.

For make no mistake, this marvellous, resilient and history-making son of Ireland is also in possession of the most gloriously loopy mind in sport. Let’s hope that never changes.

Because what sublime drama he delivered here, on his idiosyncratic journey to becoming the first man since Tiger Woods in 2002 to win back-to-back on Augusta National’s sacred playground.

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Speaking about his win, McIlroy added: ‘I can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket and now I get two in a row. I think my perseverance at this tournament over the years has really started to pay off.

‘It was a tough weekend, I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday but I managed to get it done.

‘Going into the tee with a two shot cushion instead of one like last year.

‘It was a good performance by me but I’m lucky no one really came at me either, not like Justin [Rose] did with his 66 last year.’

The champion was emotional when discussing his parents.

‘I’m so glad they got to experience this today, we’re all going to have a good time tonight,’ a choked-up McIlroy said.

‘I was a little kid with a dream and the support I have from my family, my friends and everyone back home… I can’t thank them all enough.’

He added: ‘I can’t believe I waited 17 years to win one green jacket and now I have two in a row. It was a tough weekend… I’m just so happy to hang in there and get the job done.’

McIlroy is about to be given his second green jacket in two years. We’ll also hear from the champion in a matter of moments.

McIlroy’s parents, Gerry and Rosie, are also stood by the side of the green.

They weren’t at Augusta 12 months ago to watch their son conquer golf’s highest mountain but they are this time around.

‘I’m glad you came,’ McIlroy can be heard telling them. I bet they are too!