The three biggest winners and losers from The Masters as Rory McIlroy defends his title

Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images Another edition of The Masters has now reached its conclusion, with Rory McIlroy going back-to-back at Augusta. McIlroy edged out Scottie Scheffler by one shot to claim his second title at The Masters and sixth career major win. In a hugely entertaining final round, a lengthy list of players were constantly in contention for the green jacket, but ultimately none could steal it from the Northern Irishman.

It brought a fitting end to a dramatic tournament, at which there were three big winners and three big losers. The three biggest winners at The Masters Rory McIlroy Unsurprisingly, McIlroy was once again the biggest winner at The Masters this year, having not been favored by many to defend his title. But he did exactly that in true McIlroy fashion, following in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.

And he’s not only confirmed his status as the greatest European golfer ever with the success, but as one of the greatest golfers of all time. Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images Tyrrell Hatton LIV Golf players were certainly under the spotlight heading into the first major of the 2026 season at Augusta . Their PGA Tour counterparts combined to win all four majors in 2025, piling the pressure on those from the breakaway tour to step up and show their worth on the biggest stage.

They missed another chance to do that at Augusta, but Hatton can leave with his head held very high. He carded rounds of 74, 66, 72 and 66 to end his week on 10-under, just two shots off McIlroy in a tie for third. Mason Howell Another player who got close to McIlroy at The Masters was amateur Mason Howell, but in a physical sense as opposed to on the leaderboard.