Who last won back-to-back Masters before Rory McIlroy?

Tiger Woods won consecutive Masters titles in 2001 and 2002, the last player to do so before McIlroy's 2025 and 2026 victories. Jack Nicklaus (1965–66) and Nick Faldo (1989–90) are the only other back-to-back champions in Masters history.

How many major championships does Rory McIlroy have?

McIlroy now has six major titles: the 2011 US Open, 2012 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship, 2014 PGA Championship, 2025 Masters, and 2026 Masters. The total matches Nick Faldo's record for European players and ranks McIlroy seventh on the all-time list.

What was the prize money for the 2026 Masters?

The 2026 Masters had a total purse of $22.5 million. McIlroy's winner's share was $4.05 million. Runner-up Scottie Scheffler, who finished at 11-under par, received $2.43 million.

McIlroy Wins Back-to-Back Masters

Rory McIlroy birdied holes 8–13 in succession at Augusta on April 13, winning his second straight Masters and matching Nick Faldo's 6 career major titles.

With six holes left on Sunday afternoon, Rory McIlroy was two shots behind Scottie Scheffler and fading. Then he birdied the 8th. And the 9th. And the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th in succession — a run of six consecutive birdies at Augusta National that left the world number one in his wake and gave McIlroy a lead he would not surrender.

McIlroy finished the 2026 Masters Tournament at 12-under par, winning by one shot over Scheffler with a final-round 71. The victory made him the first back-to-back Masters champion since Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002, and lifted his career major count to six — matching Sir Nick Faldo's record among European players. The total prize pool was $22.5 million; McIlroy's winner's share was $4.05 million.

The week had begun in historic territory. McIlroy set a new 36-hole Augusta record with rounds of 65 and 63, opening a six-stroke lead over the field at the halfway point — the largest 54-hole advantage in Masters history. Third-round Saturday unravelled it entirely. A McIlroy 74 — his worst round at Augusta in a decade — allowed Scheffler, who had trailed by five shots entering Saturday, to pull within one heading into the final pairing.

“Third-round Saturday unravelled it entirely.”

Continue reading to see the full article

McIlroy Wins Back-to-Back Masters

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

McIlroy Wins Back-to-Back Masters

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

More in Sports