McIlroy's emotional tribute after making Masters history

Rory McIlroy delivered an emotional tribute to his parents after becoming the first person to win consecutive Masters titles in 24 years.

Before today, only three golfers in history had secured back-to-back victories at Augusta: Jack Nicklaus (1965–1966), Nick Faldo (1989–1990) and Tiger Woods (2001–2002).

The 36-year-old finished 12-under with Scottie Scheffler second -11.

There was more heartbreak for three-time runner-up Justin Rose who, having lost the play-off to McIlroy last year, finished 10-under in joint third.

It was a rollercoaster final round for McIlroy.

He started the day joint leader with Cameron Young at 11-under but things started to unravel early on as he double bogeyed the par-3 fourth and bogeyed the par-3 sixth hole before hitting five birdies.

McIlroy didn't make life easy for himself with his final tee shot landing in the trees and then the bunker before the Northern Irishman closed things out.

“My mum and day, they weren’t here last year to celebrate with us,” McIlroy said in his victory speech.

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

“I’m glad we proved that wrong.

“I owe everything to you. You are the most wonderful parents and if I can be half the parent to Poppy as you are to me, I know I’ll have done a good job.”

Augusta has a tradition that the previous years' winner presents the green jacket to the new champion but given McIlroy's feat, that honour was given to Chairman of Augusta National golf course Fred Ridley.

Victory at Augusta cements McIlroy's place among golfing greats. he is now tied with Phil Mickelson and Lee Trevino on six majors.

Jason Day was the best performing of the Aussies at Augusta finishing joint 12th at 5-under. Adam Scott finished 2-under.