Luke Donald makes eye-catching statement about Rory McIlroy after he claims The Masters title again

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Rory McIlroy is a champion at The Masters once again after securing a one-shot victory at Augusta National.

McIlroy edged out Scottie Scheffler by a single shot on Masters Sunday, claiming the green jacket for the second year running.

The 36-year-old has now joined an exclusive group of players to defend their titles in Georgia; Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.

And he’s now also joined the list of multiple winners at Augusta National, which is led by six-time champion Nicklaus.

But McIlroy has now emulated two-time winner Seve Ballesteros, who Luke Donald mentioned in his message of congratulations to this week’s winner.

Luke Donald calls Rory McIlroy the ‘best European golfer of all time’

Taking to social media after McIlroy claimed the green jacket once again, Donald wrote on X: “Tying Seve with 2 green jackets will mean a lot to Rory.

“He is undoubtedly the best European golfer of all time now.

“Congratulations [Rory McIlroy].

The greatest European golfer debate has been ongoing for some time, with three-time Masters champion Faldo also undoubtedly in the mix.

But McIlroy, who Donald knows very well thanks to their European Ryder Cup ventures, may just have earned his place as the greatest ever.

Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Justin Rose congratulates Rory McIlroy as he wins The Masters again

Donald isn’t the only golfing star to have shared his delight for McIlroy, with his European Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose also chiming in.

The Englishman, who lost to McIlroy in an Augusta playoff in 2025, finished two shots behind his rival in T3 this time around.

After his final day of The Masters, Rose posted on Instagram: “I’ll just keep knocking on that [door].

“See you next year Augusta!

“Congratulations [Rory McIlroy] going back-to-back.

“Thank you for all the support Team [Rose].”

It was another valiant effort from Rose, who was joined on 10-under by compatriot Tyrrell Hatton and American duo Russell Henley and Cameron Young.

Their compatriot Scottie Scheffler soared to 11-under to finish as runner-up, with McIlroy’s one-under 71 just about enough to secure the green jacket.

What is the 2026 major championship schedule?

The 2026 major season next heads to Aronimink Golf Club for the PGA Championship in May, followed by the US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in June.

There, world number one Scheffler can emulate McIlroy by completing the career grand slam, fittingly on his 30th birthday.

And the major schedule is concluded with The Open Championship, which takes place at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in July.

Scheffler will also be out to defend his PGA Championship title, and indeed his Open title, while J.J. Spaun won last year’s US Open.

Read more:

Tyrrell Hatton gives his feelings on Rory McIlroy winning The Masters for the second time running

Scottie Scheffler reacts to Rory McIlroy’s victory at The Masters as he comes up one stroke short

Cam Young suggests what it was like to play with Rory McIlroy at Augusta after Bryson DeChambeau’s complaints last year