World No. 2 Rory McIlroy wins second consecutive Masters

The GIST: World No. 2 Rory McIlroy has cemented his legacy among golf’s greats, winning his second consecutive Masters yesterday. McIlroy’s victory wasn’t straightforward, but was decidedly human — par for the course for the Northern Irishman — complete with both brilliant strokes and bonehead swings. Truly a tradition unlike any other.

💪 McIlroy surges back to top chaotic leaderboard: The reigning champ had a six-stroke lead, the largest in Masters history, after the first two rounds of play. But the field brought their Sunday best to Augusta National, with No. 3 Cameron Young, No. 9 Justin Rose, and No. 33 Sam Burns all trading the top spot while McIlroy struggled early on.

• But McIlroy regained his composure by the seventh hole, reclaiming the lead to become the first back-to-back Masters champion in 24 years and just the fourth ever alongside Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods, the last player to achieve the feat.

🫶 Newfound freedom on display: In 2011, McIlroy held a four-shot Masters lead before a shocking collapse. The tourney haunted the Northern Irishman, who later suffered a 10-year major drought until he conquered his demons and won at Augusta last year. Now, he’s back donning his green jacket. Perhaps there’ll be Guiness on next year’s Champions Dinner menu?