Rory McIlroy Falls Short At 2026 Masters, Extending Major Drought

Rory McIlroy Falls Short At 2026 Masters, Extending Major Drought...

Rory McIlroy's quest to complete the career Grand Slam ended Sunday at Augusta National, as the 36-year-old finished three strokes behind winner Scottie Scheffler at the 2026 Masters. The Northern Irishman's T4 finish marks his 12th attempt at winning the green jacket since his last major victory in 2014.

The topic is trending today as golf fans hoped McIlroy might finally break through at Augusta during the tournament's dramatic final round. Social media erupted with reactions to his near-miss, particularly after his birdie attempt on the 16th hole lipped out.

McIlroy entered Sunday just two shots off the lead but couldn't overcome Scheffler's steady play. The Dallas-born defending champion shot a bogey-free 68 to secure his third Masters title, while McIlroy's even-par 72 left him at 10-under for the tournament.

"I gave it everything out there," McIlroy told CBS Sports immediately after his round. "Scottie was just better this week. The support here has been incredible, and I'll keep coming back until I get it right."

The PGA Tour's most popular player hasn't won a major since the 2014 PGA Championship, creating one of golf's most compelling storylines. ESPN reported a 22% spike in Sunday viewership compared to 2025, with many tuning in specifically for McIlroy's chase.

Augusta National members had prepared a potential champions' locker for McIlroy in the clubhouse, according to Golf Digest sources. The symbolic gesture highlights how anticipated his potential victory had become among golf's establishment.

McIlroy's next opportunity to complete the Grand Slam comes at June's U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. He'll enter that tournament having recorded top-10 finishes in seven of his last eight majors, but still seeking that elusive fifth major title.