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

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Tyrrell Hatton fell just short of a maiden major win as Rory McIlroy successfully defended his title at The Masters.

Hatton produced an admirable display at Augusta National, finishing in a tie for third alongside three other players.

He finished his four rounds in Georgia on 10-under, one shot behind Scottie Scheffler in second and two shots behind champion Rory McIlroy.

LIV Golf star Hatton finished with a six-under 66 on Sunday, but McIlroy clinched his second successive title with a two-under 70.

The Englishman finished his final round just before the Northern Irishman got over the line at Augusta, with Hatton full of praise for his rival at that moment.

Tyrrell Hatton praises ‘unbelievable’ Rory McIlroy just before his second Masters win

Sharing his verdict on McIlroy ahead of his final two holes, Hatton said: “Yeah, I mean, last year was a roller coaster back nine for sure I think for everyone, let alone for him.

“Yeah, it was amazing for him to complete the grand slam.

“And coming into this week in some ways the pressure is off but he still wants to go out and win like everyone else does this week.

“And, yeah, when it comes down to it on Sunday I bet he’s still nervous and still means a lot to him to win.

“He would join a list of Tiger (Woods), Jack (Nicklaus), and (Nick) Faldo, to… what’s the word… defend, which is unbelievable.

“So, yeah, he’s an incredible player and pretty cool what he’s done in the game.”

While McIlroy is deserving of the praise, Hatton also deserves huge credit for his approach throughout the week, particularly amid the real struggles of his LIV Golf counterparts.

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Tyrrell Hatton says Justin Rose deserves a green jacket

Hatton knows McIlroy well from their time together at the Ryder Cup, with another of their teammates drawing praise in the closing stages of The Masters.

Justin Rose was also in contention to claim the green jacket, but he could only join Hatton in a tie for third.

“Yeah, again, I feel like if there was anyone that is deserving of a green jacket it probably would be Rosey,” said Hatton.

“As it stands right now, it looks like he’s going to come up just a hair short again.

“But, again, incredible player and I imagine one day he’ll slip on a green jacket.”

Rose fell in a playoff to McIlroy this time last year, representing one of three runner-up finishes at Augusta.

The champion completed the career grand slam in 2025, following in the footsteps of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Nicklaus and Woods.

And as Hatton mentioned, he’s now emulated Nicklaus, Faldo and Woods by successfully defending his title at The Masters.

The Northern Irishman is now a six-time major winner, while Rose has claimed his only win to date at the US Open in 2013.

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