Rory McIlroy Wins 5th Major At 2026 Masters, Ending 12-Year Drought
Rory McIlroy Wins 5th Major At 2026 Masters, Ending 12-Year Drought...
Rory McIlroy captured his fifth major championship Sunday, winning the 2026 Masters Tournament in a dramatic final-round duel at Augusta National. The 36-year-old Northern Irishman shot a 6-under 66 to finish at 14-under par, two strokes ahead of defending champion Scottie Scheffler.
The victory ends McIlroy's 12-year major drought since his last win at the 2014 PGA Championship. The emotional win completes his career Grand Slam, making him just the sixth player in history to win all four modern majors. McIlroy collapsed to his knees in tears after sinking the final putt on the 18th green.
The topic is trending across US sports media as McIlroy's triumph represents one of golf's most compelling comeback stories. American fans have followed his near-misses at majors for over a decade, including four runner-up finishes since his last major victory. ESPN reported a 38% spike in Google searches for "Rory McIlroy majors" within hours of his win.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley presented McIlroy with the green jacket Sunday evening. "This is the one I've wanted most," McIlroy told CBS Sports. "To finally get it done here, after all these years, means more than I can say."
Tiger Woods, who missed the cut, was among the first to congratulate McIlroy. The two shared an embrace behind the 18th green. Woods later tweeted: "Welcome to the club. Well earned."
McIlroy's win sparks renewed discussion about his place among golf's all-time greats. With five majors, he now ties Byron Nelson and Seve Ballesteros on the career list. Golf analysts predict the victory could reignite McIlroy's dominance in the sport's biggest events.
The final round drew record Sunday ratings for CBS, with early reports indicating a 22% increase over last year's broadcast. McIlroy's win came on the 10th anniversary of his infamous Masters collapse in 2016, when he squandered a four-shot lead.
Fans at Augusta gave McIlroy a standing ovation as he walked up the 18th fairway. Many held signs referencing his long quest for another major. One read: "12 years was worth the wait."
McIlroy will return to competition at the RBC Heritage next week in South Carolina. The PGA Championship, where he'll defend his 2024 title, begins May 21 at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.
