World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler mounted a fierce challenge in the final round of the Masters, but reigning champion Rory McIlroy held firm to secure back-to-back victories at Augusta National.
Family Moments Amid High Stakes
Just before Scheffler teed off on Sunday, his mother Diane handed out Azalea cocktails— the tournament’s signature pink drinks— to family members outside the iconic clubhouse. Despite trailing by four shots behind McIlroy and Cameron Young at the start of the day, optimism surrounded the American star, known for his dominance at Augusta.
Dramatic Turn on the Back Nine
Scheffler opened with birdies on the first and third holes but remained steady rather than explosive early on. The momentum shifted at the par-five 15th, where his tee shot veered into the pine straw right of the fairway. He threaded a narrow escape through the trees, though the ball clipped a branch and ricocheted back. Undeterred, Scheffler fired his third shot to within 28 feet and sank the birdie putt, igniting the sun-soaked crowds around the 15th green and 16th tee.
Another birdie followed at the par-three 16th, pulling Scheffler to 11-under and cutting McIlroy’s lead to two shots. He carded a four-under 68 in the final round, finishing the weekend at 133— the first bogey-free final two rounds at the Masters since 1942. However, opening rounds of 70 and 72 left him too much ground to recover.
McIlroy’s Repeat Triumph
McIlroy claimed his second consecutive green jacket, becoming the first player to do so since Tiger Woods in 2002. Scheffler settled for second place at 11-under.
New Father Balances Family and Competition
Scheffler and his wife Meredith welcomed their second son, Remy, just 16 days before the tournament. This marks another major shortly after a family milestone for the golfer.
Other American Contenders Rally
Russell Henley, celebrating his 37th birthday on Sunday, fired a six-under 66 on Saturday followed by a four-under 68 to tie for third at nine-under alongside Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, and Cameron Young.
Collin Morikawa, returning from a back injury sustained on March 12 at the Players Championship, overcame nerves and mobility issues. He unleashed five straight birdies on the back nine to reach nine-under, matching Sam Burns despite the latter’s late fade.
