Golf: Rory McIlroy fourth player to win consecutive Masters

Rory McIlroy has made history at the 90th Masters Tournament. He became the fourth player ever to win the event in back-to-back years. The Northern Irishman joins golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods in achieving this rare feat at Augusta National. Woods was the last to do it in 2001-2002.

McIlroy rallied from a three-shot deficit on the final day. He shot a one-under-par 71, finishing with a winning score of 12-under 276. This put him one shot ahead of Scottie Scheffler.

"I can't believe that I waited 17 years to get one green jacket, and I get two in a row," McIlroy told CBS. He believes his persistence at the tournament has paid off.

This victory marks McIlroy's sixth career major. It ties him with Faldo for the most majors won by a European player in the modern era. They are also tied for 12th all-time among all players. Cameron Young, Russell Henley, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose finished tied for third at 10 under.

McIlroy's Comeback

McIlroy started the final round tied for the lead at 11 under with Young. Young took an early lead, and McIlroy struggled on the front nine. He went three over on two par-three holes, dropping to 9 under for the tournament.

At one point, McIlroy was looking up at Young, Rose, Scheffler, and Henley on the leaderboard. But he then found his rhythm. He birdied the seventh hole to get back to double digits under par. Another birdie on the par-five eighth brought him within one shot of the lead.

While other contenders stalled, McIlroy kept pushing. He birdied the 12th and 13th holes, navigating "Amen Corner" at 2 under. This gave him a two-shot lead. Scheffler made a late charge with birdies on 15 and 16, getting to 11 under. However, he couldn't catch McIlroy.

McIlroy's two-shot cushion proved crucial on the 18th hole. His drive went into the trees, but he recovered to make a two-putt bogey. This secured his historic second consecutive Masters title.

"It's nice to have that two-shot cushion instead of the one like I had last year," McIlroy said. He noted that he aimed for 14 under, but 13 under was enough.

After leading by six shots after 36 holes, McIlroy played the final 36 holes at even par. This allowed other players to get back into contention, with several holding the lead during the final round. McIlroy kept a close eye on the leaderboard after his early struggles.

"It was a tough weekend," he said. "I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday, but just so happy to hang in there and get the job done."