Rory McIlroy repeats as Masters champion, joins rare company at Augusta National

The Masters are officially BACK — and yes… THE GNOME RETURNS, this time with a special twist ☂️ From Tiger Woods updates to Jim Nantz whispering us through Augusta, these are the traditions that make the Masters unlike anything else in sports.

Rory McIlroy further etched his name into Masters lore.

The Northern Irishman became just the fourth golfer in history to win back-to-back green jackets, finishing at 12-under par at historic Augusta National Golf Club.

Tiger Woods was the last to accomplish the rare feat, when he was repeat winner in 2001 and 2002.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates winning the 2026 Masters Tournament on the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.  (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

With multiple contenders in the mix, the margin for error was slim Sunday at Augusta National. Two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler finished just one shot behind McIlroy at 11-under. Meanwhile, Justin Rose, last year’s Masters runner-up, finished in a tie for third.

For a brief moment, Rose held a two-shot lead in the final round at Augusta National, until a series of mistakes through Amen Corner and a couple of birdies by the defending champion over the same stretch dealt him another dose of disappointment.

"Just a chance that got away," Rose, who McIlroy outlasted in a playoff last year, lamented afterward.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates holing the winning putt on the 18th green during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

Despite a dismal round Saturday and a slow start Sunday, McIlroy bounced