“The exciting moments you missed at the 2026 Masters.”

Rory McIlroy makes history with consecutive victory at the 2026 Masters, but there were electrifying moments that went unnoticed in the euphoria of the title. While the world celebrated the Northern Irishman’s second green jacket, Augusta reserved film-worthy scenes, from spectacular plays to dramatic collapses that few captured in their timeline. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss about the 2026 Masters.

First, the genuine emotion of Rory McIlroy with his daughter Poppy captured hearts. Even before the spotlight found him, Poppy, just five years old, was already cheering for her father with an innocent joy that surpassed any speech or trophy. Rory confessed that Augusta is his little girl’s favorite week, filled with jokes about the Par 3 contest and unlimited ice cream in the players’ lounge. At the green jacket ceremony, Poppy stole the show, proving that sometimes the simplest moments are the most powerful.

But while the McIlroy family enchanted, Jordan Spieth delivered one of the week’s most thrilling moments. At the daunting 13th hole, a high-pressure par 5, Spieth emerged from the bunker to score an eagle that ignited the crowd. Jordan’s own reaction, a spirited “WOOOO,” mirrored the intensity of the moment. Despite finishing tied for 12th place, his performance on Sunday was a masterclass in resilience and spectacle.

Meanwhile, Justin Rose watched his dream crumble before his eyes. Entering the final stretch with a two-shot lead, his green jacket seemed certain until the fateful Amen Corner. A mistake on the 11th hole and a disastrous chip on the 12th cost him dearly, transforming a comfortable lead into a dramatic fall to a tie for third place, two shots behind champion McIlroy. Rose’s agony was the best reminder of the brutality of the Masters.

Another drama unfolded for Haotong Li, who, battling illness, saw his hopes fade on the 13th hole. A tee shot into the trees, followed by a series of errors culminating in a quintuple bogey 10, dropped him from seventh place to 38th in an instant. Li’s effort, even in adverse conditions, reveals the unique cruelty and challenge of Augusta.

Amid this rollercoaster, Tyrrell Hatton put on a show during the second round, hitting all 18 greens in regulation and signing his best career result at the Masters with a 66. His infectious energy, expressed in a jubilant celebration on the course, divided opinions, but it showed that Hatton plays with passion, indifferent to what others think.

And how can we not mention the iconic moment of Sergio Garcia? After a frustrating tee shot, the Spaniard destroyed his driver in a fit of rage, which culminated in the head of the club being cut off after hitting a cooler. To everyone’s surprise, he carried his fellow player Jon Rahm’s bag down the fairway, a curious gesture that earned him a formal warning from the organization. Garcia, always unpredictable, continues to be the spark that makes Augusta come alive.

The 2026 Masters was more than just the historic victory of Rory McIlroy. It was a festival of emotions, epic blunders, memorable plays, and unforgettable characters. The question that remains is: which of these breathtaking moments stood out for you?

This article first appeared on Apito Final.