Jack Nicklaus sends message to Rory McIlroy on Instagram after he wins The Masters back-to-back
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images Rory McIlroy was far from perfect in his final round of The Masters, but his efforts were enough to secure the green jacket for the second successive year. After defeating Justin Rose in a playoff at The Masters in 2025, the defending champion battled to a one-shot victory this week. He saw off a fierce challenge from world number one Scottie Scheffler, who was followed in second place by Tyrrell Hatton, Russell Henley, Cameron Young and Rose.
McIlroy now finds himself among the exclusive group of multiple Masters champions, which has just earned him very high praise from six-time winner Jack Nicklaus . Jack Nicklaus congratulates Rory McIlroy on his win at The Masters Sharing images of McIlroy’s latest triumph at Augusta , Nicklaus posted on his Instagram : “What a wonderful [Masters] win for [Rory McIlroy]! “Congratulations, Rory, on back-to-back Green Jackets!
You played like a guy who has already won a Masters championship, which is relaxed, free, and confident. “The monkey came off your back last year, and now, all of a sudden, you are the only guy who has a chance to three-repeat. “People asked me all week how difficult it must be to win back-to-back Masters.
Honestly, I don’t think winning back-to-back Masters is nearly as difficult as winning your first. “What Rory did last year was the toughest thing for him. This week, Rory played like a guy who has already won a Masters.
“Perhaps Rory played today as if he might’ve been a little nervous at times – I don’t know. Maybe he didn’t have his A game, but Rory did what he had to do with his A-minus game. “Rory did the things he had to do to win the tournament and that is what is important.