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The Green Jacket's Secret History: Every US Masters Golf Past Winner Revealed (2000–2025)

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The Masters Tournament, held annually at the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club, stands as the pinnacle of golf achievement, with its iconic Green Jacket symbolizing ultimate success. On this day, December 23, 2025, the golf world is still buzzing from one of the most significant victories in recent memory, as Rory McIlroy finally completed his career Grand Slam by capturing the 2025 title, a triumph that cemented his place among the sport's all-time greats. The tournament, established in 1934, has produced a legendary lineage of champions, each etching their name into the lore of the sport with their performance on the challenging Georgia course.

For decades, the roll call of Masters winners has served as a definitive index of golf's elite, featuring names like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Arnold Palmer. While the history stretches back to Horton Smith’s inaugural win, the most recent champions—the ones who have navigated the modern pressures of the world stage—offer a fascinating look at the current state of the game. Understanding the legacy requires looking not just at the records, but at the champions who have recently donned the coveted Green Jacket, confirming their mastery over the treacherous Amen Corner and the famously fast greens.

The Complete List of Masters Champions (2000–2025)

The 21st century has delivered some of the most dramatic and memorable Masters moments, from dominant performances to heart-stopping playoff finishes. This list highlights the champions who have triumphed at Augusta National since the year 2000, showcasing the evolution of golf's premier major.

  • 2025: Rory McIlroy (Completed Career Grand Slam in a sudden-death playoff against Justin Rose)
  • 2024: Scottie Scheffler (Second Masters title)
  • 2023: Jon Rahm (Secured his first Green Jacket)
  • 2022: Scottie Scheffler
  • 2021: Hideki Matsuyama (First Japanese Masters champion)
  • 2020: Dustin Johnson (Record score of 20-under-par)
  • 2019: Tiger Woods (Fifth Masters title, ending an 11-year major drought)
  • 2018: Patrick Reed
  • 2017: Sergio Garcia
  • 2016: Danny Willett
  • 2015: Jordan Spieth (Wire-to-wire champion, tying the 72-hole scoring record)
  • 2014: Bubba Watson (Second Masters title)
  • 2013: Adam Scott (First Australian champion)
  • 2012: Bubba Watson
  • 2011: Charl Schwartzel
  • 2010: Phil Mickelson (Third Masters title)
  • 2009: Ángel Cabrera
  • 2008: Trevor Immelman
  • 2007: Zach Johnson
  • 2006: Phil Mickelson
  • 2005: Tiger Woods (Fourth Masters title)
  • 2004: Phil Mickelson (First major championship)
  • 2003: Mike Weir
  • 2002: Tiger Woods (Third Masters title)
  • 2001: Tiger Woods (Completed the "Tiger Slam")
  • 2000: Vijay Singh

The Green Jacket's Newest Owner: Rory McIlroy’s Historic 2025 Triumph

The 2025 Masters Tournament was a moment for the history books, marking the culmination of a decade-long quest for one of golf’s most popular figures. Rory McIlroy, the world number two-ranked player, finally secured the elusive Green Jacket, defeating Justin Rose in a dramatic sudden-death playoff. This victory was not just a major championship win; it completed the coveted Career Grand Slam, making McIlroy only the sixth golfer in history to win all four modern major championships (The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open Championship).

The final round at Augusta National was a thrilling affair. McIlroy and Rose finished tied at 277, forcing the playoff. The tension was palpable as the two world-class players returned to the 18th hole. McIlroy’s winning putt sent the crowds into a frenzy, ending an 11-year gap between his major championships, which ties for the longest such gap for any golfer all-time. His triumph finally answered the perennial question of whether he could conquer the famed course, solidifying his legacy alongside legends like Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods, who also hold the distinction of the Career Grand Slam.

The drama of the 2025 tournament followed the impressive 2024 victory by Scottie Scheffler, who claimed his second Green Jacket in three years. Scheffler’s consistent, dominant play has made him the most recent multiple winner before McIlroy’s breakthrough, highlighting the current era of intense competition at the top of the sport.

Legends of Augusta: Unbreakable Records and Multiple Winners

To truly appreciate the Masters, one must look at the giants who have defined its history and set records that may never be broken. The tournament’s history is dominated by a few legendary figures whose names are synonymous with Augusta National and the Green Jacket.

Jack Nicklaus: The Golden Bear's Six Victories

Jack Nicklaus holds the undisputed record for the most Masters victories, with an astonishing six wins between 1963 and 1986. His final victory in 1986, at the age of 46, remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Nicklaus also holds the record for the most cuts made at the Masters, with 37, a testament to his longevity and consistent play on the challenging course.

Tiger Woods: Dominance in the Modern Era

Tiger Woods is the only other golfer with more than four Masters titles, securing five Green Jackets. His first win in 1997 was a monumental moment, as he became the youngest champion at 21 and won by a record margin of 12 strokes. Woods's victory in 2019, following years of injury and personal struggle, is widely considered one of the greatest comebacks in golf history, further cementing his status as a Masters legend.

The Exclusive Club of Wire-to-Wire Champions

Winning the Masters is hard enough, but leading the tournament from the first round to the last is a feat of sustained excellence achieved by only five golfers. This exclusive list of wire-to-wire champions includes Craig Wood (1941), Arnold Palmer (1960), Jack Nicklaus (1972), Raymond Floyd (1976), and most recently, Jordan Spieth (2015). This statistic highlights the immense pressure and difficulty of maintaining a lead on the undulating greens and treacherous bunkers of Augusta.

The Global Impact of the Masters Champions

While the Masters is an American tournament, its champions have increasingly reflected the global nature of modern golf. Since 1961, 24 international players have won the Masters, showcasing the worldwide talent pool. The list of champions includes golfers from every corner of the globe, including South Africa’s Gary Player, who was the first international winner in 1961, Spain’s Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, and Australia’s Adam Scott.

The international flavor adds another layer of excitement to the tournament, with players like McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and Matsuyama carrying the hopes of entire nations. The battle for the Green Jacket is truly a global spectacle, with the world's best descending upon Augusta, Georgia, each April to test their skill against the course's infamous challenges and each other.

The Masters Tournament is more than just a golf competition; it is a celebration of history, tradition, and the pursuit of perfection. Every past winner, from the inaugural champion Horton Smith to the latest hero Rory McIlroy, has contributed to the rich tapestry of this major. The Green Jacket remains the most coveted prize in golf, forever linking its wearers to the legacy of Augusta National and the enduring spirit of the game.

us masters golf past winners
us masters golf past winners

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