Rory McIlroy defends his Masters title, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods with back-to-back wins

AUGUSTA, Georgia — Rory McIlroy joined more elite company Sunday when he pulled away with a pair of birdies around Amen Corner and, as usual, saved a little drama for the end before taking his place in Augusta National history as only the fourth back-to-back champion.

In a final round where three players had a two-shot lead, McIlroy seized control for good with a bold shot over Rae’s Creek to 7 feet for birdie on the par-3 12th. Then he blistered a 350-yard drive on the par-5 13th that set up another birdie to move three shots ahead.

There were a few dicey moments, including a wild drive on the 18th that wound up closer to the 10th fairway. But he tapped in for bogey and a 1-under 71 for a one-shot victory.
A year ago, https://apnews.com/article/rory-mcilroy-masters-augusta-career-grand-slam-c739bf0e3173635fec0563e212539206 over Justin Rose gave him the career Grand Slam.