Sir Nick Faldo has criticised the media for” trying to make a story” out of the dynamic between Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young during the final round of the 2026 Masters at Augusta National.
Sir Nick Faldo has taken a little dig at the media for trying to” make a story” out of the dynamic between Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young during the final round of the 2026 Masters.
McIlroy, 36, got the better of the American after an exhilarating 18 holes at Augusta National on Sunday to come only the fourth golfer after Faldo, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus to successfully defend the green jacket.
The Northern Irishman finished one stroke ahead of world number one andpre-tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler and two clear of Young, 28, who was trying to win his first major crown title.
England’s Justin Rose and Tyrrell Hatton, along with Russell Henley, also finished in a share of third with Young.
Young, who blazoned himself on the world stage with an excellent performance at last September’s Ryder Cup and backed it up with a one- shot palm at the 2026 Players Championship, told journalists on Sunday evening that he believed he handled the moment forfeiture.
Had a many further putts dropped also he could’ve slipped on the green jacket, he said.
Young also revealed McIlroy stationed the same tactics that helped him claim his first Masters title 12 months ago when he played in the final pairing alongside his rival Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy, on the advice of his sports psychologist Bob Rotella, decided not to speak to the LIV Golf retain the final round piecemeal from a tense exchange they participated on the ninth green.
Turns out, despite appearing to be on friendlier terms, McIlroy and Young did n’t converse too important moreover.
McIlroy was spotted giving Young a thumbs up after the American also snubbed his approach on the iconic par- three 12th.
” I am not one to talk a ton to begin with,” Young said.” And I do n’t suppose he really wanted to talk to me moment.”
He added” But we are playing against each other( and) not trying to be stylish musketeers out there.”
Young’s commentary sparked a litany of captions about their dogfight.
And three- time Masters champion Faldo, 68, was among those to state his displeasure on X.
” I want to have a little dig at the media,” he said.” Will you please shut up on this? Oh,’ he did not talk to me again’. Making a story out of it.”
Faldo explained said he played with Jack Nicklaus during the final round of the 1990 Masters and the brace did not converse until they reached the 12th hole.
” I played with the gentleman of all gentlemen, Jack, in 1990, last round,” Faldo said.” And we did not say a word to each other until we got to the 12th.
” And it was me, old talker. I said’ Thank virtuousness we do not play this hole every day of the week’.
” So Jack goes,’ Yeah, I have been playing this for 35 times.’
” And I said,’ Well, that is aged than me, Jack.’
” And that was it. He pulled a face when I terminated a putt in on 14. I hit it so hard he went,’ What was that?’
” And we did not say anything to 18. So please stop all this rubbish.”
He added” The most important thing is, what are we having for regale( coming time)?”
Faldo was also full of praise for McIlroy and explained why he was in a rush to hail the two- time Masters champion on Sunday evening after the final putt dropped.
” I did not see Rory for a full time,” he said.” This Masters from( the) last bone
. So that is why I ran to him down at the( Butler) Cabin.
” I said, I am not staying a full time, which was great, and gave him that little note, which I hope he allowed
was funny.
” I suppose you’ve got to marvel and appreciate, you know, the skill demanded, the touch demanded( to win).
” Talk about the touch and whim-whams that putt off the reverse of 16 and Scottie doing his stylish. roar out to Scottie.
” What an inconceivable weekend. And he created so numerous chances. unthinkable. So he could have hold that one at 16. That went each right. Indeed those last three holes.
” I mean, the drama was amazing, was not it?
” So as I said, skill, touch, whim-whams, frippery, and determination. Hey, congrats, Rory. It was unthinkable.”
