Rory McIlroy denied dream green jacket moment despite Masters triumph

Jack Otway
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:48:05 +0000

Rory McIlroy had made no secret of his desire to replicate Jack Nicklaus's famous 1966 moment by placing the green jacket on his own shoulders following a successful title defence.

The Northern Irishman's plans did not quite unfold as anticipated, however.

Augusta's traditions have evolved since Nicklaus became the first back-to-back champion nearly six decades ago, and the club chairman now steps in when no previous winner is available to perform the ceremony.

Fred Ridley, therefore, had the honour of presenting McIlroy with his prize on Sunday evening.

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"My parting message last year was, I can't wait to come back next year and put the green jacket on myself," McIlroy said.

"I wasn't quite correct, because the chairman did it, but I did want to come back here and prove last year wasn't a fluke."

McIlroy's triumph on Sunday saw him edge out Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke, securing his second consecutive victory at Augusta National.

The 36-year-old has now joined an exclusive club of golfers who have managed to retain their Masters crown.

Only three players before him had achieved the feat: Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.

"It still fits! Which is nice," McIlroy remarked at the winner's ceremony, referring to his green jacket.

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The victory carries particular significance for the Northern Irishman, who spent his entire career chasing the grand slam before finally completing it with last year's breakthrough at Augusta.

McIlroy's ambitions extend far beyond Augusta, with the Northern Irishman openly targeting the title of greatest European golfer in history.

His second Masters triumph draws him level with Faldo and Seve Ballesteros in terms of victories at the famous Georgia venue.

More significantly, this sixth major championship leaves him trailing only Harry Vardon among European players in the all-time standings.

Vardon's tally of seven major titles, accumulated over a century ago, now represents the sole barrier between McIlroy and European golf supremacy.

The 36-year-old has repeatedly stated his intention to surpass that historic mark, and his recent form suggests the record could fall sooner rather than later.

McIlroy reflected on the remarkable acceleration of his major championship haul after years of frustration.

"It took me 10 years to win my fifth major, and then my sixth one came pretty soon after it," he said.

The decade-long drought between his fourth and fifth majors had prompted questions about whether he would ever add to his collection, but last year's Grand Slam completion at Augusta appears to have unlocked something within the Northern Irishman.

When asked about future targets, McIlroy refused to commit to a specific number.

"I'm not putting a number on it but I certainly don't want to stop here," he declared.