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Tuesday, April 21, 2026

2026 Masters RECAP: How Rory McIlroy created more Augusta history

Relive Daily Mail Sport’s live blog from the final round of the Masters at Augusta National as Rory McIlroy defended his crown and became just the fourth man to win back-to-back titles. 

This live blog has now closed.

That’s all from me. What a day of action at Augusta. The Masters just never disappoints.

Rory McIlroy has become just the fourth man in golf history to become a back-to-back winner at the Masters.

Follow all the reaction HERE.

Thank you for joining us. Good night.

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 12, 2026 Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy celebrates with his green jacket and the trophy after winning The Masters REUTERS/Brian Snyder

McIlroy gets his trophy

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.’

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 12, 2026 Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy celebrates with his green jacket and the trophy after winning The Masters REUTERS/Brian Snyder
From left; Dad Gerry McIlroy, mother Rosie McIlroy, Rory McIlroy, daughter Poppy, and wife Erica Stoll pose with the trophy after the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 12: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks after being awarded the Green Jacket during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy fights back tears after sealing emotional Masters victory in front of his parents at Augusta

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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Trump sends message to McIlroy

President Donald Trump posts on the evening of April 12, 2026: Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters! He performed tremendously under intense pressure, something which few people would be able to even think about doing. With each year, Rory is becoming more and more a LEGEND! I look forward to watching him compete in two weeks at Doral. The quality of Professional Golfers today has become extraordinary, each and every one of them. They should all be proud of the way they played at The Masters this weekend! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Emotional moment Masters winner Rory McIlroy reunites with wife Erica and daughter Poppy

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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Rory McIlroy WINS the Masters! Reigning champion retains his green jacket after holding off rivals in thrilling final day at Augusta

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.

READ MORE BELOW

More from McIlroy

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.’

McIlroy close to tears in Butler Cabin

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’s emotional celebrations

We head over to Butler Cabin

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.

Important reading now McIlroy has won…

The winning moment

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