Rory McIlroy joined an exclusive club of back-to-back Masters winners as he secured another green jacket with a superb performance at Augusta.
Having ended a long wait to complete his career grand slam with an emotional success last year, McIlroy rode the rhythms of a dramatic final round brilliantly to claim victory over Scottie Scheffler. In the process, he joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to defend their title at the major, cementing his place in the pantheon and leave the next question as to how many of golf’s biggest prizes he might yet end up with.
The Northern Irishman had built a two-shot cushion that he needed up the last, with a bogey moving Scheffler closer but still out of range. It had been a dramatic final round with plenty of changes of lead, with Russell Henley, Justin Rose and Cameron Young all appearing primed to seize the advantage at some stage. But they could not match the consistency of ball-striking and sharp short game that McIlroy provided – after an agonising search for his first green jacket, the garment fit snugly on his shoulders again.
Follow all of the latest updates from The Masters with our live blog below:
Rory McIlroy joins elite club with back-to-back Masters crowns – and could win many more
The hidden Masters advantage Rory McIlroy used to crack Augusta code
Rory McIlroy identifies key moment in defence of Masters crown
Justin Rose frustrated as chance to end long wait for Masters title escapes him
The Masters 2026: Leaderboard and latest scores and updates
- Rory McIlroy wins the Masters again to claim back-to-back green jackets
- McIlroy holds off Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose in captivating final round
- Only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods had ever defended their title at Augusta
- Masters leaderboard
- -12 McIlroy (71)
- -11 Scheffler (68)
- -10 Hatton (66), Young (73), Henley (68), Rose (70)
Justin Rose felt 'in control' of Masters leaderboard before Amen Corner
08:45 , Jamie BraidwoodA year after losing a play-off to Rory McIlroy , Justin Rose was leading The Masters by a shot as he approached Amen Corner. But he bogeyed 11 and 12 and then could only par the 13th despite being on the green in two and with that the opportunity was taken away from him by his Ryder Cup team-mate.
“Just a chance that got away obviously. I was by no means kind of free and clear and was nowhere kind of close to having the job done but I was right in position,” said Rose.
“I was really in control, the first 10 holes I felt like I was and the mentality was to run through the finish line not just try and get it done.”
Rory McIlroy ‘not putting a number’ on majors he can win after Masters defence
08:15 , Jamie BraidwoodRory McIlroy is already targeting more majors after becoming only the fourth man to win back-to-back Masters titles.
The Northern Irishman’s one-shot victory over world number one Scottie Scheffler took his career tally to six.
But having waited a decade between his fourth and fifth, which secured the career grand slam a year ago, the desire for more still drives the 36-year-old.
“It took me 10 years to win my fifth major, and then my sixth one’s come pretty soon after it,” he said.
“I’m not putting a number on it but I certainly don’t want to stop here.”
Rory McIlroy ‘not putting a number’ on majors he can win after Masters defence
The hidden Masters advantage Rory McIlroy used to crack Augusta code
07:45 , Ed MalyonIn the end, this second Masters championship for Rory McIlroy is almost unavoidably going to become a milestone.
If last year’s emotional triumph to complete the Grand Slam was a destination - the destination – then retaining it puts him in rarefied air but doesn’t answer the only question which will ultimately matter when all is said and done; where this child prodigy from Northern Ireland turned golfing superstar will rank among the all-time greats.
That is the competition for him now: how many majors he can amass, how many records he can break.
By his own admission on this Sunday night in Georgia, at American golf’s most famous course in its crown jewel competition, he won’t always have this level of preparation for a major.
But it was his preparation that ultimately proved crucial in holding off a late charge from some of the world’s best.
The hidden Masters advantage Rory McIlroy used to crack Augusta code
Rory McIlroy explains why his parents nearly didn’t attend historic Masters success
07:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy was delighted to have his parents at Augusta National to witness his triumph after they missed out a year ago.
Mum Rosie and dad Gerry were back home in Northern Ireland when he completed the career grand slam 12 months ago and he admitted they had doubts about flying over for his defence.
But they were rewarded with a one-stroke victory as he secured his sixth major.
"It's only the second major win my mum's been at, she was at The Open in Hoylake in 2014," he said.
"There was a piece of them that didn't want to come this year after not being here last year but I'm so glad they got to experience this.”
Rory McIlroy explains why his parents nearly didn’t attend historic Masters success
Nick Faldo hails Rory McIlroy after joining elite club
06:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleSir Nick Faldo hailed an "incredible" Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman matched his achievement of successfully defending his Masters title.
The world No 2 also equalled Faldo's major haul of six and looks set to surpass it and become the most successful European of the modern era.
"All credit to him. Incredible. He's got another major to his name," Faldo told Sky Sports.
"All he needs now is to win another US Open and another Open Championship and then he'll be a two-time grand slam champion.
"That's his goal. To get there along with the likes of Jack (Nicklaus) and Tiger (Woods).
"He's unique. Rory is the only one out of those guys to go 11 years between wins, and then he's added another one."
Masters final leaderboard
05:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt may have been a wire-to-wire victory for Rory McIlroy, holding at least a share of the lead in every round, but a captivating final day of twists and turns saw all of Justin Rose, Cameron Young, Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler have moments where it felt like they might come through to take the title. Here’s how the final leaderboard looked:
-12 Rory McIlroy
-11 Scottie Scheffler
-10 Cameron Young, Justin Rose, Russell Henley, Tyrrell Hatton
-9 Sam Burns, Collin Morikawa
-8 Max Homa, Xander Schauffele
The crucial tee shots
04:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAmen Corner is normally where danger lurks for would-be winners of the Masters – not when you are Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman first took on the flag on the 12th boldly and brilliantly.
McIlroy reaches 12 under par with a birdie on No. 12. #themasters pic.twitter.com/3dYecCog2V
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026
Before adding another birdie at the 13th having steered clear of Rae’s Creek.
McIlroy extends the lead to three with a birdie on No. 13. #themasters pic.twitter.com/3alGzbGzsP
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026
Rory McIlroy identifies key moment in defence of Masters crown
03:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory McIlroy picked out his back-to-back tee shots on the 12th and 13th holes as the key moments in the defence of his Masters crown at Augusta National.
McIlroy became only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets, holding off the challenge of Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose and Cameron Young in a thrilling final round.
Having pipped Rose in a play-off last year, the Northern Irishman was able to stand on the 18th tee with a two-shot lead, with a bogey seeing him home to join Jack Nicklaus (1965, 1966), Nick Faldo (1989, 1990) and Tiger Woods (2001, 2002) as repeat Masters winners in consecutive years.
Rory McIlroy identifies key moment in defence of Masters crown
Justin Rose reveals why latest Masters near miss is more ‘frustrating’ than last year
02:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleJustin Rose was left to rue mistakes around Amen Corner as another Masters slipped through his fingers.
A year after losing a play-off to Rory McIlroy he was leading by a shot as he approached Augusta National’s troublesome trio of holes.
But he bogeyed 11 and 12 and then could only par the 13th despite being on the green in two and with that the opportunity was taken away from him by his Ryder Cup team-mate.
Justin Rose reveals why latest Masters near miss is more ‘frustrating’ than last year
Rory McIlroy speaks after pulling on the green jacket
Monday 13 April 2026 00:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle“It still fits, which is nice,” McIlroy jokes to the Augusta patrons. “I did want to come back here and prove that last year wasn’t a fluke. This is an absolutely incredible golf tournament, and unique in so many ways. To everyone at Augusta National Golf Club, since I started to play this tournament you have really made me feel like one of your own and part of the club, so for that I want to say thank you.
“I’ve made you clear a lot of patrons this week, because I hit it in a lot of pine straw. To all the patrons, the support that I feel out there and the atmosphere you provide for all the players, it truly is a one-of-a-kind tournament. Everyone is so engaged in the tournament and it is a privilege to play in that. I want to say thank you to my wife and daughter. They have to put up with me at home, and, trust me, sometimes that is a tough thing to do. This has definitely turned into [my daughter] Poppy’s favourite week of the year.”
Rory McIlroy wins the Masters
Monday 13 April 2026 00:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleNick Faldo and Rory McIlroy share an embrace as they make their way back out towards the 18th green, two six-time major champions and back-to-back Masters winners exchanging a few words.
Rory McIlroy pulls on the green jacket again
Monday 13 April 2026 00:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Fred Ridley puts the green jacket on the shoulders of Rory McIlroy – Masters champion, again.
Rory McIlroy reacts to defending his Masters title
Monday 13 April 2026 00:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle“I can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket, and I get two in a row. It’s sort of the way. All of my perseverance at this tournament over the years has started to pay off.
“It was a tough weekend, I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday. I’m so happy to hang in there and get the job done.
“It felt pretty similar to last year. I made a double on four this year, and then I played flawless golf after that. It was nice to have that two-shot cushion instead of the one [on the last], like I had last year. 13 was good enough standing on the 18th tee.
“I think the tee shot on 12 was key, and then the tee shot on 13. I struggled with that tee shot all week. That enabled me to go for the green in two, and to make a birdie there was massive. It’s the second major win my mum has been at. She was at the Open in 2014. There was a part of them that didn’t want to come this year, because they didn’t come last year and thought that may be the reason, but I’m so glad they got to be part of this today.”
To the Butler Cabin
Monday 13 April 2026 00:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, we think it’ll be Fred Ridley, the Augusta National chairman, who will drape the green jacket on Rory McIlroy’s shoulders – though it would be quite funny to see the defending champion try to put it on himself. But first, to the Butler Cabin for a chat.
Rory McIlroy joins elite club with back-to-back Masters crowns – and could win many more
Monday 13 April 2026 00:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrom Augusta National, here is how Ed Malyon on a sequel just as good as the original Hollywood story.
Rory McIlroy joins elite club with back-to-back Masters crowns – and could win more
Rory McIlroy is the Masters champion again
Monday 13 April 2026 00:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s six majors overall for Rory McIlroy, too, matching Nick Faldo’s tally. Only Harry Vardon has more – and his total of seven is within reach. How many could McIlroy end up with?
Holywood has its sequel. #themasters pic.twitter.com/L7N9el2aC3
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026
Rory McIlroy joins exclusive club
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleOnly thrice previously has the Masters been won back-to-back by the same player: Jack Nicklaus (1965/66), Nick Faldo (1989/1990) and Tiger Woods (2001/2002). Illustrious.
Rory McIlroy claims back-to-back Masters crowns
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother emotional triumph for Rory McIlroy, emotionally embraced by his family and roared on by many, many, many more around Augusta. After a long, agonising wait to pull on the green jacket for the first time, it will fit snugly on his shoulders again.
RORY MCILROY WINS THE MASTERS!
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rory McIlroy safely on the putting surface
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleTwo putts, 15 feet. That’s all that stands between Rory McIlroy and defending his Masters title.
To the 18th green...
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle...where there is nothing to see, with both Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young failing to find the dancefloor. McIlroy is in the front left bunker and looks to have a reasonable lie; Young, I think, might be in there, too. McIlroy has three shots to win the Masters.
Hole 18
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleSam Burns and Shane Lowry have finished up ahead – the latter slipped down the standings on Sunday in a disappointing day, while the former could not quite mount a challenge after that costly period on the front nine.
There’s just one group left on the golf course. Rory McIlroy has a long think about what his approach will be from the pine straw.
McIlroy in the trees
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleOh, crikey. A hideous slice into the trees from Rory McIlroy. There is a bit of space to work with out that way...but that’s a long way back. That two-shot cushion might be valuable...
Rory McIlroy heads to the last two ahead
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory McIlroy will head to the last with a two shot lead. Surely this is his now?
Justin Rose finishes off
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleA 70 to close for Justin Rose, and it’ll be another Masters top five. Still, though, that green jacket eludes him – so cruel for a player of such consistency around Augusta. He finishes at 10-under.
Hole 17
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleOr not. He’s just so good, and so calm, killing the speed on the upslope and then watching it run pretty much to within a sheet of paper.
A late twist?
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleAh. A sloppy second shot on 17 that misses out to the right. That’s a tricky little lob yp from there, with limited green to play with.
A tricky 18th
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleJustin Rose, much like Scottie Scheffler, comes up short of the 18th green. That hole is far from straightforward today, even with the wind dying down.
Cam Young and Rory McIlroy are both in the heart of the 17th fairway.
Frustration for Cameron Young
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou have to feel a bit for Cameron Young – the putts just haven’t dropped on this back nine. His latest birdie attempt surveys all the exits of the roundabout before zipping away. Off comes the hat in frustration.
Justin Rose drops a shot at 17, which will end his challenge, you’d think. Another near miss.
Superb from Rory McIlroy!
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat is unbelievable from Rory McIlroy. With putter in hand, he rides the ridges of the 16th green expertly, carving down the slopes like an alpine skier and safely into the chalet with a par. Beautifully controlled.
Scottie Scheffler takes clubhouse lead
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleA day to forget for Haotong Li, a triple and quintuple bogey at 12 and 13 ruining his round to come home at +1.
Not so for Scottie Scheffler. Two bogey-free weekend rounds at the Masters, a 68 today sealing a feat that had not been done since 1942. He takes the clubhouse lead at -11.
Hole 16
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleIs that one? Too much on the tee shot at 16 as Rory McIlroy takes the water out of play, and he’s through the back. That green feeds down towards the flag but isn’t necessarily easy to stop.
Rory McIlroy creeping closer
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s just nobody quite managing to put the squeeze on. Cameron Young can’t make his birdie putt; Scottie Scheffler is short of the 18th green; Justin Rose likewise fails to find the desired location with his approach towards the 17th flag. All surely now need an error from the leader.
A monster putt from Sam Burns
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleSam Burns is still alive – just! He’s made a mess of his tee shot on the par three 16th but manages to drain his putt from across the state line. He gets to 10-under with two to play. Could that spark something?
Rory McIlroy pars the 15th
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleA safe two putt for Rory McIlroy, in for a par to stay at 13-under.
Nearly an error!
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleEesh, that’s dicey from Rory McIlroy, some 15 yards short of where he might have landed his third and thus a little fretful as it just about gets up on to the green. It is a birdie putt that he leaves, though not a short one.
Hole 15
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleCameron Young has a seven iron in hand with 220 yards to play. It really is a different sport for these guys. He sails it up on to the putting surface but can’t stop it, and will have to pitch back the other way.
Rory McIlroy picks his spot for a lay-up, and tosses it out from in behind one of the trees. Things look rather less tense between these two than McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau at this point last year.
Up on 17, “fore right” is the cry from Justin Rose...although the trees have done him a favour, ejecting his ball back on to the fairway.
Scheffler putt an inch away
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleOh, Scottie, that is a shame – all of an inch from a third successive birdie, and now with just one more hole in which to put the pressure on.
Russell Henley in for a 68
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt didn’t quite come together in the final few holes for Russell Henley, though a round of 68 and a share of the clubhouse lead at 10-under is not to be sniffed at. A happy 37th birthday, even if it might not quite be enough.
Masters fourth round
Sunday 12 April 2026 23:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleScottie Scheffler has given himself another look at a three on 17. Rory McIlroy is slightly wild off the 15th tee, happy enough that he can work his way back in on the long par five. He’ll have to punch up out onto the fairway and leave a short iron in, I’d say.
Cameron Young absolutely pulverises his tee shot, the sweet sound of club on ball as it sails towards the setting sun.
Cameron Young remains in the mix
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleFive pars to start the second nine for Cameron Young, with others fluctuating much more. It feels like he’ll need errors from Rory McIlroy to have a hope, but all he can do is stay in there.
A par for the leader, a birdie for Rose
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory McIlroy reads a long putt to perfection at 14, though doesn’t quite give it the requisite push down the hill.
A hole ahead, Justin Rose joins Scottie Scheffler as he takes advantage of the par five. He’s not done yet.
Solo second and two off the lead for Scottie Scheffler. #themasters pic.twitter.com/kcfjaP8QkH
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026
Scottie Scheffler surging
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd beware a fast-finishing Scottie Scheffler. The world No 1 lances the 16th green and then pops in the putt. He has clear air at -11.
Is there time for another twist?
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleWith another par five to come, this feels like a really, really strong position for Rory McIlroy – to come through Amen Corner two-under and three ahead speaks volumes about his game and character after how it went wrong there last year.
Still work to be done, though; it’s never straightforward here, is it...
Rory McIlroy with another birdie!
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleOr should we say three of the lead – it’s another birdie for our defending champion and leader! Rory McIlroy with a pump of the fist and a sizeable advantage to take into the final five holes.
Scottie Scheffler makes remarkable birdie
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood god. That is some birdie from Scottie Scheffler having failed to escape the trees with his second shot, somehow contorting his third between the tangled limbs and onto the heart of the green. In goes the putt to move within two of the lead.
Back to 13
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory McIlroy opts to putt on 13, sending it up the slope and on to the tabletop with an anxious look. Not bad, but not necessarily great.
Cameron Young takes a different tack, chipping and chasing it down. Yowzer - a few nervy moments as it careers towards the creek but it just pulls up.
Russell Henley, meanwhile, has had his chances - another lovely look at a birdie at the 17th fails to fall. He needs to finish with a three to take the clubhouse lead.
Justin Rose scrambles for par
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleGreat touch from Justin Rose, finding his short game again after coming a-cropper through Amen Corner. He catches the camber and leaves it stone dead for par having been in a spot of difficulty.
The 13th
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, it’s crunch time for Rory McIlroy. A frankly obnoxious 350 yard drive leaves him just 183 to the pin on the 13th...and a cough from a spectator causes him to step off his ball. Not what you need.
How is it...pulled, perhaps with Rae’s Creek in mind. It’s not the worst position to chip from at all, with Cameron Young similarly positioned just off the dancefloor.
Justin Rose struggling
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleAh, Justin – a wretched shot from position A1 on the 14th fairway. Tugged down some distance off the green.
Scottie Scheffler isn’t quite coming through in the way we assumed he might, either. An unattractive slice that sends a few patrons running for cover.
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleRussell Henley can’t narrow the deficit, either, a par-three at the 16th. He stays at 10-under.
Justin Rose squanders his chance!
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Justin Rose can’t close the gap. An ugly three-putt after such a fine second, thumping his first towards the hole and thus not taking the break he needed, before missing the one back the other way to the left. A rueful shake of the head as he tries to reset for the 14th.
Rory McIlroy birdies the 12th
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleCourageous, calm and confident: Rory McIlroy extends his lead with a brilliant birdie at 12.
Now, just to avoid Rae’s Creek this time...
Justin Rose finds the 13th green
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleA brief moment of panic in the commentary box as the shot tracer shows a dramatic slice from Justin Rose, but his second is right on line, as Black Box never quite sang. An eagle opportunity to come - which he might need to make if Rory McIlroy sinks his putt a hole behind...
To the 12th...
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleSensational! Some shot from Rory McIlroy at 12, bold, brave and bullish in taking on the flag and rewarded with a beauty. Fraught with risk, yes, and perhaps not a shot he’d have played a year ago, but quite possibly a decisive one.
Does Cameron Young have a riposte? He does! Not quite as precise but of the highest quality, stil..
McIlroy saves par
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleA jaunty little number from McIlroy, grateful that it disappears rather than carrying on past, because it might still have been travelling. Cameron Young also pars 11 - a good score at this juncture.
Meanwhile, he may be moving worse than Jack Nicklaus, but Collin Morikawa cannot be stopped. FIVE birdies in a row for the two-time major winner, who is edging, painfully, into contention.
Rory McIlroy battling to make par
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleA glance up at the scoreboard for Rory McIlroy and Harry Diamond, his caddy, tell them that the Northern Irishman is now the outright leader of the Masters. He, like most today, hasn’t chanced anything in the same vicinity as the pin on 11, steering well clear of the water and the dangers that lurk within.
What can he do with a birdie putt from distance? Well, he hasn’t left it dead. Not enough oomph in it. Tyrrell Hatton is probably the most comfortable man at Augusta at the moment.
Justin Rose loses the lead
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleJustin Rose plays it too safe on 12, just as Russell Henley had, and catches his chip on the fringe. Two putts from there mean a bogey, and down to -10.
Collin Morikawa surging
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleCollin Morikawa is staggering about like a sore pensioner on a frosty morning, which makes a run of four birdies on the back nine all the more impressive. He’s up to -8, though needs at least two more shots in the final three holes to match Hatton.
Tyrrell Hatton sets clubhouse lead
Sunday 12 April 2026 22:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleA superb 66 from Tyrrell Hatton, and he’s into the clubhouse at 10-under. Will that be enough? One more birdie might have really made things interesting but someone will have to take it from him.
Par-par on No 10 for final group
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleTwo fours to open the second nine for our final group. Say your prayers, gentlemen – on to Amen Corner.
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s a bit of chatter, by the way, that Cameron Young could face scrutiny over his caddy appearing to help with his alignment while punching out of the trees earlier. Young did not step away and then re-address his ball on the ninth, which in, in theory, a violation of the rules. We’ll see if anything comes of it.
Justin Rose drops a shot
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleNo dice for Justin Rose – once more, he and Rory McIlroy are locked together at the top of a Masters leaderboard. Not again...
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleJustin Rose misses the green on the nasty 11th, and leaves himself a devilish little chip. Up over the bunker, try and catch the slope without sailing past...short, which is probably safer. A par will not come easily.
Two holes ahead, Russell Henley has played the par five perfectly with a shrewd lay-up and planted pitch. He should climb back towards the leader.
On to the back nine...
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe saying goes that the Masters doesn’t really begin until the second nine on Sunday...and here we are. The good news is that there are definitely plenty of opportunities to be had: Tyrrell Hatton is just one of a scattering of earlier starters who have got on birdie runs today. Who can handle the pressure?
The second nine upcoming. #themasters pic.twitter.com/W7hZVaTKZW
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026
Cameron Young drops a shot
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleA third bogey in four holes for Cameron Young, a skid saved only by the interspersing of a birdie in that run.
And Rory McIlroy misses his birdie putt! A look of frustration and a thrust of the hand at a break he hadn’t seen coming. Justin Rose remains top of the tree, all alone.
Tyrrell Hatton, meanwhile, has scrambled superbly to a four on the 17th. That just about keeps his chances alive, though he’d love a birdie at the last to really put the pressure on.
Rory McIlroy starting to find his flow
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory McIlroy tattoos the flag on nine, a wonderful wedge of the kind he struggled with yesterday. He’ll have something tasty to join Justin Rose at -12.
Cameron Young was forced to punch out of the trees, and has got unlucky, ending up in a divot. Though he finds the green, his score may be heading the other way.
Russell Henley drops a shot
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleRussell Henley tried to play it safe between the two bunkers on the tiny 12th green, yet just overhits it. His chip tumbles down to within range, though he doesn’t like his par putt from the moment it leaves the face.
Down to nine-under in Amen Corner.
Birdies for the last pairing at the eighth
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleA birdie apiece for Cameron Young and Rory McIlroy, with the latter failing to find his eagle putt though leaving it dead. Within one of Justin Rose each moves.
Tyrrell Hatton’s rampage may be over courtesy of an errant adventure into the woods beside the 17th fairway.
Creativity!
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis could go anywhere. A marvellous bit of thinking and shot-making is rewarded as Cameron Young comes back off the backboard having sailed over the flag with his third. So, so clever, and setting up a birdie chance.
Can Rory McIlroy make his eagle, though?
Masters fourth round
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleNot that it will be easy: Rory McIlroy absolutely nails a low-iron that bends brilliantly on to the eighth green. It’s a birdie at worst, you’d suggest.
Up ahead on the 11th, Russell Henley leaves a birdie putt an inch or so high. But Tyrrell Hatton has no such issues - it’s ANOTHER for him at 16 and he’s just two back all of a sudden.
Justin Rose extends lead
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleBut also on a hot streak is Justin Rose – three in a row for the regular Masters bridesmaid, and a two-shot lead will have belief building that it might finally be his day.
Tyrrell Hatton joins the party!
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe assumed that Tyrrell Hatton had much too much to do from -4 at the start of the round, but three birdies on the spin out of Amen Corner take him to -9 for the tournament with three holes to play. He’s in the mix!
Rory McIlroy gets one back
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleFinally, one drops for Rory McIlroy - back to 10-under with a purposeful stride. A long, long, long way to go...
Justin Rose leads outright!
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleA bogey for Cameron Young as a wobbly putt trickles by – Justin Rose leads the Masters!
Justin Rose reaches the lead. #themasters pic.twitter.com/kLq4LX8ZUA
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026
Cameron Young makes a mishap
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt might be better than that, you know - Cameron Young makes a misjudgement on the seventh and has a lot of work to do for par.
But Justin Rose goes marching on. Birdie, birdie and on to the ninth.
Justin Rose making a move!
Sunday 12 April 2026 21:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s just really, really good golf from Justin Rose. Two rock solid shots set up prime position from which to chip, and he sets up another all-but-certain birdie. The co-lead should be his.
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe sort of drive Rory McIlroy needed, holding a fade against the breeze as it blows from the right and piercing the heart of the fairway. The approach will be straightforward enough, or at least as straightforward as they come at Augusta, but he needs his putter to warm up.
But Cameron Young drops a shot, too
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:54 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s not quite as damaging, though: Cameron Young three-putts to match his playing partner and reduce his advantage to one.
Another bogey for Rory McIlroy!
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleA snag on the fringe as Rory McIlroy putts up towards the hole, and the par putt doesn’t drop! Down to -9 he tumbles.
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleA putt from the fringe almost burgles a birdie for Scottie Scheffler having skewed his tee shot into the trees. He didn’t deserve a four, there, and doesn’t get one as it knocks on the door but is turned away.
A par at the eighth. Scheffler hasn’t really cashed in as he could have done all week on the par fives, which is probably a good job for his rivals.
Cameron Young looking solid
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleCameron Young is doing an excellent job of averting dropped shots. He makes another good’un from distance.
The wind is beginning to whip around Augusta. It wasn’t meant to be particularly breezy but the foliage is fluttering and it is causing doubts to swirl.
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory McIlroy’s putt at the fifth is very similar to that of Justin Rose earlier, but he can’t quite find the same curvature.
Speaking of Rose, a remarkable recovery shot at the seventh leaves him a virtual tap-in for birdie. He’s -10, too.
Russell Henley goes to ten-under
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleOn his birthday, Russell Henley is just two back from the lead at the Masters.
Scottie Scheffler keeps on ticking along
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleA second sterling save of par from Scottie Scheffler in a handful of holes, keeping him very much in touch.
Rory McIlroy has played a superb approach into the fifth, with Cameron Young off the green for his third shot.
Russell Henley almost holes his chip at eight, which would really have put the cat among the pigeons. The 37-year-old had such a modest major record until recently but he was tied fourth here in 2023.
And a double bogey for...
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleShane Lowry, who follows his great mate in making a double. Three shots gone in two holes, and he’s all but out of it now, you’d suggest, at six-under.
Russell Henley is very quietly putting together an excellent round. He absolutely thunders his second shot through the back of the par-five eighth, showing impressive striking capacity. An up-and-down from three, far from unfeasible, will move him alongside McIlroy.
A double bogey for McIlroy!
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory McIlroy can’t make that par putt - Cameron Young leads on his lonesome once more.
And it’s a double! Oh, Rory, that’s horrible, around the houses and eventually in for a five.
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory McIlroy almost chips in at the fourth, making the best of a bad situation though still leaving himself a little bit to do for par.
His great mate Shane Lowry catches the lip of a bunker at the fifth having let a shot go a hole previously. A slide down the leaderboard may, alas, beckon.
Justin Rose moves to three back
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s that putt from Justin Rose - a beaut!
Justin Rose converts the lengthy birdie putt on No. 5. #themasters pic.twitter.com/FOoswAGbDL
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026
It's hotting up!
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe chasing pack are gathering. Justin Rose curls in a gorgeous birdie putt on the fifth to go to nine-under, where Russell Henley will join him after an immaculate approach leaves a kick-in at seven.
Scottie Scheffler isn’t going away, either, draining a par putt save from 15 feet. The heat is on.
Rory McIlroy birdies the third
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory McIlroy has the same shot that Sam Burns struggled with a few moments ago, though shows his class with a splash of sand revealing a short-range birdie putt.
Cameron Young has left himself something rather tougher. This’ll be quick, and dive from left to right...an ambitious starting line and a nibbly little nudge back the other way will be required to save par.
But he’s already got company. Rory McIlroy birdies the third and moves to -12.
Co-leaders once more.
Cameron Young gets lucky again!
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleCameron Young must be at one with nature. It happened three times yesterday and yet again he finds a wayward drive is given a friendly nudge back in the right direction by an arboreal helping hand. His playing partner blasts a much, much better-looking drive but Rory McIlroy will play his second shot from the sand.
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 20:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleSam Burns was briefly with Young and McIlroy at the top of the charts, but a third shot goes in two holes after twice building sandcastles on the third. Tricky though his bunker shot was, that’s the sort of error you can ill afford if you want to remain in contention deep into the final day.
Cameron Young takes the outright lead!
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe have an outright leader! Cam Young nearly makes a right hash of his chip at the second but gets away with it, and then buries his putt from a club-face away from where Rory McIlroy’s marker lies. It gives the Northern Irishman a good read, but he starts his putt too far left.
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe day’s big loser so far of those in contention is Patrick Reed, who has slipped to four under with a couple of early bogeys. Tyrrell Hatton has gone the other way - he takes the turn at seven-under after holing out earlier and will hope to put the pressure on the later starters.
The nerves are starting to show elsewhere. Sam Burns can’t do what Scottie Scheffler and Li Haotong could out of the bunker on three, and ends up back in the sand with his escape only temporary.
Rory McIlroy with a birdie chance
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleSmart stuff from Rory McIlroy, punching out of the bunker and then showing his softer side with a wedge in to about 15 feet. A birdie chance.
Masters round four
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s all bubbling up very nicely. Shane Lowry gives himself a great chance to get the shot lost on the first back at the second as he carves out a lovely little low wedge towards the hole. Rory McIlroy thuds his drive into the bunker back down the fairway.
Chairs and their occupants cleared so that he can find his ball, Burns does a decent job with his recovery shot to leave himself a short-ish bogey putt.
Lowry returns to -9; Burns...joins him with an ugly double bogey. Nasty
Sam Burns in trouble
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere will not be three leaders for long: Sam Burns has run into major bother on two, and overcooks his fourth shot to such an extent that he disturbs a thicket of patrons beyond the green. Work to do even to make a bogey.
Scheffler and Li birdie the third
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleBoth Scottie Scheffler and Li Haotong get themselves into and out of danger at the third, extricating themselves from the front left bunker and then rolling home birdie putts. Scheffler is within two of the three leaders, despite failing to find a four at the par-five second.
Pars for final group at the first
Sunday 12 April 2026 19:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleTimid! You can’t do that, Rory, not putting anywhere near enough into a birdie putt up the hill. Tap-in pars for both he and Cam Young.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
