Rory McIlroy becomes a golfing great with back-to-back Masters titles

“I just can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one Green Jacket and now I get two in a row,” he said. “I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday, but I’m just so happy to hang in there and get the job done.”

In terms of being a roller-coaster, it did not begin to rival the unbelievable, gut-wobbling scenes of 12 months before. But then, how could it? In 2025, it had been 11 years since McIlroy had won his fourth major and every year after that he had visited the major that seemingly suited his game most and the pressure had built as he tried to emulate Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, Nicklaus and Woods in completing the career grand slam.

At least four times in that crazy scenario, he had one arm in that Green Jacket until he finally saw off Rose in a play-off. This time around it was tense, but it was not on the same level. McIlroy knew it would not be as he explained on Saturday night.

“I’d like to think that I’ll play a little bit freer and I’ll play, you know, like I’ve already got a Green Jacket, which I do,” he said. “Sometimes I maybe just have to remind myself of that, but I think as well that the stakes in terms of, like, the pairing will be just a little bit easier. You know, the atmosphere out there will be a little bit easier. Yeah, I’m not worried about that at all.”

Some took that to mean he was not as motivated, but if that is the case they do not know McIlroy and they do not remember 2014. That was his most spectacular year to date when, as a player in his mid-20s, he won back-to-back majors. This now has the feel of those days and it will be intriguing to see where he takes this next. He is playing freely and is highly dangerous.