By Luke Essig, Sports Editor

Northern Irish royalty Rory McIlroy won his second consecutive Masters on Sunday at Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia. He became the 18th golfer to ever win multiple Masters Championships, just the fourth to win it twice consecutively and the first since Tiger Woods in 2001-02. 

McIlroy had the second-highest odds to win The Tournament behind Scottie Scheffler, who won in 2022 and 2024. One of the best in the world, Scheffler came second after a strong final day. Following a slump in early 2026, Scheffler proved that he still has what it takes to be a top golfer in the world. He has never finished outside of the top 20 at Augusta National, and he extended this streak to seven appearances.

Bryson DeChambeau sought his first Masters win in his 10th appearance in the tournament. Having the fourth-highest odds, DeChambeau was one of the most popular picks to win. With a large online following, he had high expectations that he unfortunately did not live up to. 

On hole No. 18, Holly, DeChambeau triple-bogeyed (three strokes over par) bringing him from safety to elimination. He finished six-over-par 150 after the first two rounds, causing him to miss the cut and go home early. 

DeChambeau pulled a stunt at the Masters: he 3D printed his 5-iron. Originally debuted in 2024, the idea was that, after two straight top-10 finishes, driving the ball was too easy. He challenged himself to win the tournament with at least one club that he made himself. 

While the club itself worked fine for the single shot it was used for, DeChambeau was eliminated before he could use it again. What was poised for a great YouTube video will now probably not see the light of day.

DeChambeau was one of 10 golfers representing LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia’s competition to the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) Tour, at the Masters. Tyrrell Hatton was the highest finisher at 10 under par 278, tied for third place. The other eight golfers were very underwhelming. Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, tied for 38th place at one over par 289. This was a sign that despite the money LIV golfers are receiving, the PGA Tour still reigns superior.

For the first time since 1994, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson participated in the tournament. Woods announced his intention to step away from golf after a fourth serious car accident resulting in his second DUI arrest on March 27. Mickelson announced on April 2 that he would be pulling out of the Masters due to a “family health matter.” 

Cameron Young was the closest to getting in the way of McIlroy and his repeat championship. Through the first two days, McIlroy had the largest lead ever through 36 holes, a six-stroke lead that had him at 12 under par 132 going into Round Three.

McIlroy had a disastrous third round, however. Young gained on him, going into Round Four tied at 11-under-par. Young shot seven-under and mounted a dramatic comeback that would hold with McIlroy until the second nine in the fourth round. 

On hole No. 18, McIlroy drove the ball into the trees. He managed to get back onto the green and putt-in twice, finishing 12 under par 276 to win the Green Jacket.