Monday, April 13, 2026 Balls & Bogeys Golf News Edition
Photo: Getty Images
Rory McIlroy wins Masters, first to repeat since Tiger Woods
– by Mark Schlabach / ESPN
Per Mark: “Rory McIlroy had to wait more than a decade to win the Masters and complete the career Grand Slam…”
B&B POV: The best golfer of his generation (post-Tiger, pre-Scottie), Holywood’s favorite son, McIlroy captured a historic second consecutive Masters title at ANGC yesterday, joining Tiger Woods in rare air. He overcame a near-collapse on the front nine and pressure from all sides to cement his growing six-major legacy. Wow, that was fun to watch!
A tradition like no other — Sergio Garcia’s childish antics surprise no one
– by Eamon Lynch / Golfweek
Per Eamon: “The legendary coach John Wooden used to say that character is what you are, while reputation is what others think you are. In the case of Sergio Garcia, both his character and reputation are indistinguishable and utterly undistinguished…”
B&B POV: Will Garcia get a past winner’s invite to the 2027 Masters? We are guessing no. The petulant man-child should be grounded for a year, own up to his actions, and make a public apology.
Photo: Getty Images
Winners, Losers & Payouts: 2026 Masters
– by Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys
Per Thomas: Augusta National doesn’t just test your golf swing—it tests your nerve, your patience, and your place in history.
On a Sunday that twisted and turned like only the Masters can, Rory McIlroy didn’t simply win—he endured. He finished at 12-under par, one shot clear of World #1 and fast-charging Scottie Scheffler, and in doing so, captured his second consecutive Green Jacket. (Note: He actually didn’t win a literal 2nd jacket. After he makes his media rounds, his 1st and only will head right back to Augusta and be re-hung in the hallowed coat room.)
Rory’s victory brought a Masters record $4.5 million payday, but more importantly, it placed him in rare company—making him the first player since Tiger Woods in 2002 to successfully defend at Augusta…
Click the button to view the full payouts:
Photo: Getty Images
What’s in the Bag: Rory McIlroy’s Winning Setup – 2026 Masters Edition
– by Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys
Per Thomas: Augusta doesn’t care what’s in your bag.
Until it does.
Because in 2026, under the heaviest pressure in golf, Rory McIlroy didn’t just win the Masters—he trusted a TaylorMade setup that was equal parts familiar, refined, and battle-tested.
And when everything started to slip on Saturday… and wobble again on Sunday… it was that setup that held on just enough to get the job done…
Click to view Rory’s winning bag >
Masters Grades: Rory vs. Scottie, TV Coverage Stumbles And Par 3 Contest Nonsense
– by Sean Fairholm / My Golf Spy
Per Sean: “Now that the Masters is behind us, it’s time to take stock of the whole week from Augusta National.
It was a solid Masters overall—I’ll give it a B+ on the whole—as Rory McIlroy made history by becoming the fourth back-to-back green jacket winner…”
B&B POV: We agree with most of the grades MGS just released. Our biggest discrepancies are their D+ for the Par 3 Contest versus our B-, and the Sunday drama: we graded it a solid B+, while they gave it a B-. All in all, the 2026 Masters delivered as usual for us – tons of jealousy for not being there in person and entertainment galore as we consumed as much Masters coverage as humanly possible.
FEATURED LESSON FROM THE VAULT
‘Should you pitch it or chip it? Brad Faxon shares his thoughts and tips’
Ex-PGA TOUR stalwart and Rory McIlroy’s putting coach, Brad Faxon, shares tips to hit better shots around the green.
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