Rory McIlroy earns millions with second Masters | Sports News

Rory McIlroy etched his identify in golf historical past by changing into the primary participant since Tiger Woods to say back-to-back Masters titles, holding his nerve all through a gripping last spherical at Augusta.

Starting the day tied on the high of the leaderboard with Cam Young, McIlroy carded a 71 to efficiently defend his Masters crown, ending at 12-under par. Scottie Scheffler discovered his stride and surged up the standings during an spectacular spherical, however the Northern Irishman held firm to secure his sixth main championship, taking home the highest $4.5 million prize fund for the winner.

The final golfer to defend his title and win consecutive Masters was Woods, who achieved the feat by triumphing in 2001 and 2002. McIlroy has now joined an terribly unique membership as one of solely 4 gamers in historical past to efficiently defend their crown at Augusta National, alongside Jack Nicklaus (1965–66), Nick Faldo (1989–90), and Woods.

Last yr, McIlroy ended an 11-year main drought by claiming the Masters title. That euphoric victory noticed him grow to be the sixth participant to finish the profession grand slam, becoming a member of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Woods.

Free from the burden of chasing Masters and profession grand slam glory, McIlroy was on the high of his recreation this week. He hit the ground working with an excellent opening spherical, posting a five-under par 67 to share the lead with Ryder Cup rival Sam Burns. Then, on Friday, McIlroy continued his momentum. He recorded three consecutive birdies ranging from the second gap to determine a three-shot lead, and following a transient setback, McIlroy birdied six of his last seven holes to achieve 12-under par.

He held a file six-shot midway benefit because the third spherical commenced, and that cushion proved essential. The 36 yr outdated delivered a irritating spherical, with his recreation trying uncharacteristic during a tumultuous Saturday.

McIlroy’s 1-over 73 risked derailing his prospects because the pursuing discipline gained recent momentum, with Young establishing himself as his major challenger. However, finally, his expertise prevailed.

Competing in his 18th Masters look, McIlroy relied on distinctive iron play to secure the victory. He posted a strong birdie on the par-4 third gap earlier than encountering a double-bogey on the fourth. Another bogey got here on the sixth, however consecutive birdies on seven and eight restored his momentum.

McIlroy’s 1-over 73 risked derailing his prospects because the pursuing discipline gained recent momentum, with Young establishing himself as his major challenger. However, finally, his expertise prevailed.

Competing in his 18th Masters look, McIlroy relied on distinctive iron play to secure the victory. He posted a strong birdie on the par-4 third gap earlier than encountering a double-bogey on the fourth. Another bogey got here on the sixth, however consecutive birdies on seven and eight restored his momentum.

Through all of the turbulence of the continually shifting leaderboard, McIlroy surged back into the motive force’s seat with back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13. Suddenly, as rivals faltered, McIlroy reclaimed the lead.

Scheffler seemed set to mount a critical problem with a outstanding bogey-free weekend, and Justin Rose remained firmly in competition, however neither participant may reel in McIlroy following his explosive run early on the back 9. Now, after pursuing a Green Jacket for practically 15 years, McIlroy has claimed back-to-back Masters titles.