Donald Trump hails ‘legend’ Rory McIlroy as he leads praise for back-to-back Masters champion after Augusta thriller

President Donald Trump paid tribute to Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman’s historic Masters title defense at Augusta.

The president took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday evening to praise McIlroy’s resilience after the 36-year-old claimed his second consecutive green jacket.

Trump wrote: ‘Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Major Championship, The Masters! He gave a tremendous performance under intense pressure; This was something very few people would consider doing.

‘Rory becomes more and more of a LEGEND every year! I look forward to watching him race at Doral in two weeks. The quality of Professional Golfers today has become extraordinary; each.

‘They should all be proud of the way they played at The Masters this weekend!’

The message came just minutes after McIlroy cruised to a one-shot victory over Scottie Scheffler; This win put him among the likes of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

President Donald Trump pays tribute to Rory McIlroy after Masters victory

Winning for the second time in a row, McIlroy became the fourth player to successfully defend the championship in the 90-year history of the tournament.

The President is a long-time enthusiast of the sport and frequently hosts professional events and high-profile players across his portfolio of global golf courses.

His 18-hole properties, including Trump National Doral in Miami, have regularly served as venues for major professional tours and elite championships.

The President’s mention of Doral is in reference to the upcoming event planned at the ‘Blue Monster’ venue where the world’s best players are expected to compete.

Trump has remained a vocal supporter of professional football throughout his presidency, often commenting on the skill and composure of the modern field.

The 2026 Masters proved to be a showcase of that elite depth as McIlroy was pushed into the final hole by a relentless attack from world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

McIlroy entered the week under intense scrutiny as the defending champion, especially after completing his career Grand Slam there last year.

The road to the green jacket was anything but simple, as a chaotic third round saw an almost historic six-shot advantage disappear.

Northern Irishman becomes fourth player in history to win back-to-back cups

McIlroy with his wife Erica Stoll, daughter Poppy, mother Rosie McDonald and father Gerry McIlroy

After Friday’s birdie strike put him completely under control, a shaky Saturday saw his lead evaporate, leaving him in a dead heat as the field headed into the final.

But the 36-year-old showed remarkable mental toughness to reset over the final 18 holes, refusing to let the momentum get any further away from him on Sunday.

He maintained his lead on a tough Sunday at Augusta and held off a formidable back nine with the discipline the President emphasized in his tenure.

The victory marks McIlroy’s sixth major title and moves him even higher on the list of the most successful players in the history of the sport.