AUGUSTA — The Masters looked like a runaway through two days. It became fascinating in the third round, then provided intrigue throughout Sunday until it reached the result that seemed likeliest earlier in the weekend.
Rory McIlroy became the first back-to-back Masters champion since Tiger Woods in 2001-02. He shot a 71 on Sunday, finishing 12-under to stave off a crowded field behind him led by Scottie Scheffler (-11).
Here are five final takeaways from the week in Augusta:
1. This Masters lacked the drama of the 2025 finish, when McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a playoff, but it was another illustrious week at the country’s grandest golf wonderment that was topped with some suspense.
McIlroy, who overcame squandering a six-stroke lead entering Saturday, staved off five contenders to earn his second straight green jacket.
It also didn’t rain the entire week, which was quite rare. There were a couple of hot afternoons, sitting in the low 80s with the sun beaming through the clouds, but it didn’t reach unbearable levels. Patrons enjoyed cooler mornings and a tournament that’ll be remembered for making history.
The Masters 2026
The 90th edition of the Masters Tournament tees off at Augusta National Golf Club this week. Here’s everything you need to follow the action.
THE CHAMPION: Rory McIlroy owns Augusta, wins second straight Masters title
FINAL ROUND: Five final takeaways from the 2026 Masters | Rory McIlroy makes history again Surprises, disappointments: Henley ties for third on birthday | Sights and sounds from the 18th green
GEORGIANS: High schooler on Masters debut: ‘Everything I dreamed it would be’ | UGA leads all college programs | Bulldogs legend showed up for the 1960 Masters. He’s been every year since. | Phenom’s path began with skipping rocks in South Georgia
PHOTOS: Final round | Round 3 | Golf fashions | Round 2 | Masters tournament starts | Par 3 contest | Contenders warm up | Practice rounds tee off
AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL: One rule for keeping toddlers quiet: Don’t say ‘birdie’ | Ticket-resale restrictions are popular subject | What Masters golfers would do as patrons at Augusta: ‘Have a lot of beers’ | How much it would cost to buy one of every item at the Masters Golf Shop
THE TRADITIONS (FOOD): Inside Rory McIlroy’s Champions Dinner menu | Make The Masters’ iconic 3-ingredient cocktail at home | Everything to know about pimento cheese this Masters week
WHAT TO WATCH: Why Augusta National could be ‘even more difficult’ this year | Augusta National can bring top players to their knees | Mason Howell’s path to Augusta
MASTERS GNOME: Masters gnome craze hits ‘Hunger Games’ levels amid final-edition rumors | Gnomes lead the secondary market outside Augusta National
2. McIlroy is the fourth individual to win consecutive Masters, following Woods, Nick Faldo (1989-90) and Jack Nicklaus (1965-66). He’s one of 11 players who’ve won the tournament twice, equaling Scheffler, who won in 2022 and ’24. This was a long time coming for McIlroy, whose inability to win in Augusta was a prominent storyline that followed him until last spring.
“Good things come to those who wait,” he said.
3. One can’t help wondering what would’ve unfolded if Scheffler hadn’t just missed that putt on 17. Still, he became the first player here without a bogey in the final two rounds since the 1940s. Cameron Young and Rose will lament missed opportunities, as each led McIlroy at some point Sunday.
No golfer has won three straight Masters, so the odds say opportunity awaits. Rose, who finished tied for third, has had numerous close calls as he seeks his first green jacket. Tyrrell Hatton and Russell Henley finished tied with Rose and Young at 10-under. All will invite storylines a year from now.
4. The Masters is known for bringing out a lengthy list of notable attendees.
Among those seen this week: Terry McGuirk (member), Andruw Jones, Bijan Robinson, Kevin Stefanski, Peyton Manning (member), Eli Manning (member), Rafael Nadal, Pat McAfee, Blake Griffin, Lynn Swann (member), Travis Kelce, Andrew Whitworth, DeMarcus Lawrence, Riley Green, Niall Horan, Larry Fitzgerald, Dwyane Wade, Condoleezza Rice (member), Drew Brees, The Miz, Fernando Mendoza, Alberto Mendoza, Mackenzie Carpenter and others.
That said, the Masters will have to figure out how to balance new-age entertainment with its tradition. Social media has complained for days about the increase of “influencers” at the event. ESPN used Jason Kelce and Kevn Hart for entertainment during its broadcast of the Par 3 Contest, and their theatrics were met with negativity (though its viewership numbers did well). It will be interesting to see how (if) 2027 looks differently in that respect.
5. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution covered myriad details behind the scenes in Augusta. That included a look at the gnome craze that became a national story at week’s outset, the total cost of hauling in every item at the gift shop, a stroll around the course with nothingness on the mind and comprehensive coverage of our local wunderkind Mason Howell. All of our Masters content can be found here.
About the Author
Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.
