The Masters: Rory McIlroy wins back-to-back green jackets
Rory McIlroy becomes only the fourth golfer to win back-to-back Masters tournaments, joining Jack Nicklaus (1965-1966), Nick Faldo (1989-1990) and Tiger Woods (2001-2002).
It took Rory McIlroy 17 years to win his first green jacket. He wasn’t going to wait that long again to win his second. McIlroy finished 12-under to win the Masters tournament for the second year in a row.
He becomes only the fourth golfer to win back-to-back Masters tournaments, joining Jack Nicklaus (1965-1966), Nick Faldo (1989-1990) and Tiger Woods (2001-2002). “It still fits,” McIlroy said as Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley put the green jacket back on him. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks ] It appeared McIlroy would have an easy path to his second green jacket based on the first two rounds.
He set the Masters record for largest 36-hole lead. But he struggled on Saturday and entered Sunday tied for first with Cameron Young. He fell behind Young and Justin Rose, last year’s runner up, early on Sunday.
Then, McIlroy found his groove again at Amen Corner with back-to-back birdies at No. 12 and No. 13 holes.