Throughout the illustrious history of The Masters, which dates back to 1934, only a select few players have managed the rare feat of winning in consecutive years. In over nine decades, just three champions had successfully defended their titles – until now. At the 2026 edition, the season’s first of four majors, Rory McIlroy etched his name onto that exclusive list, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods after an epic title defense over the weekend.
Rory McIlroy (2025 & 2026)
In a rollercoaster final round, the Northern Irishman saw his six-shot halfway lead slashed amid a tightly-contested leaderboard, but ultimately held firm to retain his title, edging World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke. The victory was nothing short of historic, as McIlroy held off intense competition from his final round partner Cameron Young and 2025 Masters playoff rival Justin Rose to secure top spot and finish with a final-round 71. With consecutive titles now under his belt, we take a closer look at the company he joins on golf’s very short list of back-to-back Masters champions.
Jack Nicklaus (1965 & 1966)
Famously dubbed the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus holds the record for the most Green Jackets, winning the Masters six times in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986. His first triumph came four years after missing the cut as an amateur in 1959, followed by a runner-up finish the following year. He then charged back in 1965 with a record-setting nine-shot victory over Arnold Palmer, before defending his title in 1966 after an 18-hole playoff with Tommy Jacobs and Gay Brewer. However, Nicklaus lost the streak the next year when he became the first defending champion to miss the cut. But by then, the now 18-time major winner had already cemented a legacy at Augusta that would inspire generations of future golfers.
Nick Faldo (1989 & 1990)
Sir Nick Faldo joined Nicklaus as a back-to-back Masters champion in 1990, securing his place with consecutive playoff victories. His first in 1989, saw the Englishman trump America’s Scott Hoch, who missed a critical two-foot par putt that handed victory over to Faldo by the first extra hole. His 25-footer for birdie in response sealed the win in style.
In similar dramatic fashion, Faldo fought his way up from four strokes back in the final round the following year to force another playoff in defence of his title. He defeated Raymond Floyd for the milestone win. The knighted veteran would go on to win a third Masters championship in 1996, and an overall six major titles throughout his career.
Tiger Woods (2001 & 2002)
Tiger Woods’ era of unmatched dominance—widely considered to be from 1997 to 2008—was underpinned by record-breaking performances and major victories; it’s little surprise he joined this list with consecutive Masters wins in 2001 and 2002. His 2001 triumph not only earned him a second Green Jacket after becoming the youngest winner in 1997, but also marked the historic completion of the “Tiger Slam,” his fourth consecutive major victory following wins at all three other majors in 2000. The following year, he won again at 12 under to record the lowest 72-hole score by a defending champion.
Current World No. 2 McIlroy is now the first, 24 years on from Woods’ win, to join their elite circle—having also completed the career Grand Slam just last year. The feat underlines just how rare back-to-back Masters victories truly are.