Before world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler began the final round of the Masters, his mother Diane leaned over the railings near Augusta National’s clubhouse. She handed Azalea cocktails— the tournament’s signature pink drinks—to family members outside the ropes. In the Scheffler family, such moments often lead to celebrations with champagne, and Sunday brought plenty of reason for optimism despite starting four shots behind leaders Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young.

Scheffler’s Steady Climb

Scheffler birdied the first and third holes early, maintaining a solid pace without fireworks. A sense of his typical dominance built gradually, peaking at the par-five 15th. His tee shot strayed into pine straw right of the fairway, but he threaded a narrow escape. The ball clipped a branch, ricocheting back through the trees. Undeterred, Scheffler fired his third shot to 28 feet and sank the birdie putt. Crowds around the 15th green and 16th tee roared in excitement.

Momentum surged with another birdie at the par-three 16th, pulling Scheffler to 11-under and just two shots off McIlroy’s lead. He posted a bogey-free 68 in the final round and a stunning 133 over the weekend—the first such feat in the Masters since 1942. However, opening rounds of 70 and 72 left too much ground to cover.

McIlroy Claims Back-to-Back Title

Rory McIlroy held firm to secure his second consecutive Masters victory, the first repeat since Tiger Woods in 2002. Scheffler’s push proved valiant but arrived too late.

Family Milestones and Other Charges

Scheffler and his wife Meredith welcomed their second son, Remy, just 16 days prior. A runner-up finish offers solace compared to past major-week drama.

Other Americans mounted strong bids. Birthday boy Russell Henley, turning 37, fired a 66 Saturday and 68 Sunday to tie for third at nine-under with Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, and Cameron Young. Collin Morikawa, returning from a back injury sustained March 12 at the Players Championship, admitted to pre-tournament nerves and mobility issues. He still unleashed five straight birdies on the back nine, reaching nine-under alongside Sam Burns, who faded late despite an early surge.