Jim Bones Mackay reflects on Phil Mickelson and Masters history
Jim Bones Mackay shares his favorite Masters stories, insights ahead of the 2026 tournament and the Masters app.
The first ever Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club was held in 1934. Since its inception, there has only ever been three individuals to win the Masters tournament in consecutive years.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy put on a performance through the first two rounds that has him leading by six strokes. He looks in prime shape to position himself to be the fourth-ever back-to-back champion.
The tournament’s only back-to-back champions consist of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
Nicklaus, who also holds the record for most Masters victories with six, was the first ever back-to-back champion claiming the honor in 1965 and 1966.
Faldo won three Masters overall, but became the second to win it in consecutive years in 1989 and 1990.
Woods, who became the youngest Masters winner in 1997, won a total of five Masters tournaments. He joined the lucrative list of back-to-back Masters champions when he won the Augusta National course in 2001 and 2002.
McIlroy can become the first person in two decades to become a repeat Masters champion, the first since Woods. McIlroy will begin Round 3 in a pairing with Sam Burns, teeing off at 2:50 p.m. ET in Group 27.
Back-to-back Masters champions
Jack Nicklaus: 1965 and 1966.
Nick Faldo: 1989 and 1990.
Tiger Woods: 2001 and 2002.
