The 2026 Masters will be remembered as the moment Rory McIlroy etched his name among the immortals. Battling through wildly changing Sunday conditions, McIlroy held off a charging Scottie Scheffler to capture his second consecutive green jacket. This historic victory at 12-under par ties him with legends Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as the only players to win back-to-back Masters titles.

The drama was palpable until the final putt dropped, with world No. 1 Scheffler finishing just one stroke back at 11-under. The leaderboard was packed with talent, as Justin Rose and Sam Burns pushed the pace at 10-under, proving that Augusta National demands excellence from every champion.

Beyond the thrilling finish, the tournament was a showcase of resilience and tradition. Xander Schauffele mounted a strong rebound, while 2023 champion Collin Morikawa battled valiantly after a recent back injury. The iconic azaleas were in full bloom, champions dined together, and softer conditions led to spectacularly low scores, marking a memorable 90th edition of this hallowed event.

While McIlroy's feat headlines the history books, the Masters is woven from countless unique threads. Here are ten fascinating facts that define the magic of Augusta National.

Unlike golf's other major championships, which rotate venues, the Masters has only one home. Since its inception in 1934, the tournament has been inseparably linked to Augusta National Golf Club, a vision brought to life by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. This consistency creates an intimate, annual reunion between the game's greatest test and its greatest players.

The green jacket is the most coveted prize in golf, but it comes with a unique clause: it's a loan, not a gift. While the reigning champion is presented the jacket and may wear it off-site for a year, it ultimately remains the property of Augusta National, stored within the clubhouse. This tradition underscores that the honor belongs to the tournament's legacy as much as to the individual.