The shackles are off for Rory.
After going more than a decade without a major win, Rory McIlroy has cemented his legacy as one of the best golfers of all-time with back-to-back Masters victories.
The Northern Irishman entered the final round at Augusta tied for the lead with Cameron Young at 11-under, and proved a class above to survive a nervy 18 holes and claim the green jacket for the second year in a row.
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He double bogeyed the par-3 fourth and bogeyed the par-3 sixth, but shot five birdies to steady the ship with his Justin Rose, Scottie Scheffler and Young unable to put McIlroy under serious pressure.
McIlroy fired a dart at the par-3 12th for birdie and showed incredible touch with shots off the green at the 16th and 17th holes to save par and take a two-shot lead into the final hole.
His recovered from a wayward tee shot on the 18th to bogey the last hole and win the tournament by one shot at 12-under.
The previous year’s Masters champion traditionally presents the green jack to the champion, but given McIlroy triumphed last year, Chairman of Augusta National golf course Fred Ridley had the rare honour of draping the famous garment on McIlroy’s shoulders.
“Rory is a rare repeat winner at Augusta,” commentator Jim Nance said as McIlroy shed a tear on the 18th green with his wife, parents and daughter watching on in heartwarming scenes.
McIlroy becomes just the fourth golfer in history to win the Masters in consecutive years, joining Jack Nicklaus (1965–66), Nick Faldo (1989–90), and Tiger Woods (2001–02).
McIlroy is now tied with Faldo, Phil Mickelson and Lee Trevino on six major titles, surpassing the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Peter Thompson and Brooks Koepka on five major wins.
The victory means McIlroy is now arguably the best European golfer of all time.
Jason Day was the best of the Australians, finishing in a tie for 12th at 5-under, while Adam Scott was tied for 24th at 2-under.
