McIlroy seeks rare Masters repeat in wide-open Augusta fight

Rory McIlroy, whose emotional 2025 Masters victory completed an incredible career grand slam, chases an even rarer feat this year – repeating as champion at Augusta National. The 36-year-old from Northern Ireland hopes to join Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only golfers to capture back-to-back green jackets when the 90th Masters […]

Rory McIlroy, whose emotional 2025 Masters victory completed an incredible career grand slam, chases an even rarer feat this year – repeating as champion at Augusta National.

The 36-year-old from Northern Ireland hopes to join Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only golfers to capture back-to-back green jackets when the 90th Masters tees off Thursday.

“I know defending the Masters tournament is a pretty rare feat, and it’s something I’d love to do.” McIlroy said.

“I’ve won it once and I feel like that will make it a bit easier for me to win again.”

McIlroy delivered an image for the ages when he fell to his knees last April after ending a 10-year major win drought by defeating Justin Rose in a playoff to win the Masters.

McIlroy joined a career grand slam group that also includes Nicklaus, Woods, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.

American Scheffler, a two-time Masters winner, took the American Express title in January and last year’s British Open and PGA Championship.

Scheffler, who withdrew from last month’s Houston Open as he and his wife are expecting their second child, is working on mental aspects of his game.

Tiger Woods, a 15-time major winner, will not attend after pleading not guilty to DUI charges stemming from a March 27 car crash.