McIlroy's Putting Struggles Cost Him at Masters

Rory McIlroy squandered his overnight lead at the 2026 Masters after struggling with his putter on the fourth hole, recording a double bogey that handed the advantage to Cam Young on the tournament's final day at Augusta National.

The final day of the 2026 Masters proved challenging for overnight joint leader Rory McIlroy as he encountered difficulties with his short game early in his round. Standing as a co-leader heading into Sunday at Augusta National, McIlroy faced immediate trouble on the par-4 fourth hole, where putting woes contributed to a costly double bogey.

The stroke proved decisive in the tournament's outcome, as McIlroy's setback allowed American competitor Cam Young to seize control of the leaderboard. With the prestigious green jacket hanging in the balance, the momentum shift on the back nine would determine Augusta's champion in what proved to be a dramatic conclusion to golf's first major championship of the year.

McIlroy's struggles with the putter highlighted how precision and consistency are crucial at Augusta National, where the undulating greens demand both skill and composure from competitors. The defending golfer's inability to capitalize on his overnight position served as a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift during major championship finals.