The Masters: McIlroy makes history as he defends his title in Augusta

Rory McIlroy has made history again - after becoming only the fourth golfer ever to win back-to-back Masters titles.

The Holywood superstar followed in the footsteps of legends - Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.

He defended his title after a dramatic final round - posting a one-under par 71 to finish 12 under - one shot ahead of World Number one Scottie Scheffler.

Winning the Masters last year meant he became only the sixth golfer in history to complete a career Grand Slam.

And after donning the famous Green jacket for the second year running, McIlroy reflected on his achievement.

"I thought it was so difficult to win last year because of trying to win the Masters and the Grand Slam," he said.

"This year I realised it's just really difficult to win the Masters.

"I tried to convince myself it was both.

"I don't think I would have believed anyone if they said to me all you have to do is shoot even par and you'll win."

While this victory was not as emotional as a year ago, when he broke down in tears on the final green, it was no less special for McIlroy as he had his parents Rosie and Gerry here after they missed out 12 months ago.

For that reason, it had even more personal resonance.

“I caught myself on the golf course a couple of times thinking about them and I was like ‘No, not yet, not yet’,” he said.

“It’s really cool to have them here. They missed it last year and the first thing I wanted to do was fly home to see them because I obviously wouldn’t be sitting up here if it wasn’t for them.

“I had to sort of convince them to come this year because they thought the reason I won last year was because they weren’t here.

“When the ball trickled by and I marked it there from two inches or whatever (at the last) I just looked at the back of the green because I saw my mum and dad and Erica (his wife) and Poppy (his daughter) and I was just like ‘I can’t believe I’ve just done it again’.

“Not as emotional, but just, wow, it’s amazing. I can’t believe I did it again.”

“I said on the putting green that I’m glad we proved that wrong, so they can keep coming as long as they want. It’s amazing to have them here. I’m excited to celebrate with them tonight.”

Meanwhile, there were joyous scenes at his old Holywood Golf Club last night.

Supporters and friends gathered to watch the final round at the clubhouse (see below).

Back in Augusta, Sir Nick Faldo described McIlroy as "incredible."

The world number two also equalled Faldo’s major haul of six and looks set to surpass it and become the most successful European of the modern era.

“All credit to him. Incredible. He’s got another major to his name,” Faldo told Sky Sports.

“All he needs now is to win another US Open and another Open Championship and then he’ll be a two-time grand slam champion.

“That’s his goal. To get there along with the likes of Jack (Nicklaus) and Tiger (Woods).

“He’s unique. Rory is the only one out of those guys to go 11 years between wins, and then he’s added another one.”