Only Three Golfers Have Defended the Masters in Over Six Decades

A Rare Accomplishment

The Masters remains the sole major that has never changed venue, and it is also the hardest to win consecutively. Since Jack Nicklaus’ back‑to‑back victories in 1965‑66, only two other players have managed the feat.

The Three Who Did It

• Jack Nicklaus (1965‑66) – After a playoff on Monday, the Legend secured his second straight green jacket.
• Nick Faldo (1989‑90) – Faldo won a sudden‑death playoff in 1989 and repeated the next year, becoming the third to defend the title.
• Tiger Woods (2001‑02) – Woods captured his second and third Masters, and his 2002 win marks the last successful defense to date.

Why Repeats Remain Elusive

For more than two decades no golfer has repeated, underscoring the tournament’s depth and the difficulty of mastering Augusta’s nuanced greens and swirling winds. The last repeat came 23 years ago, and every attempt since has fallen short.

Rory McIlroy’s Quest

Defending champion Rory McIlroy entered the 2026 Masters hoping to become the fourth back‑to‑back winner. A strong opening round placed him in contention, but history suggests the uphill climb is steep.

The rarity of consecutive Masters victories continues to define Augusta’s mystique, and any golfer who can break the 23‑year drought will cement his legacy alongside Nicklaus, Faldo and Woods.