Rory McIlroy poses for a photo with his caddie, Harry Diamond, with the Masters championship trophy during the green jacket ceremony after the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

CBS is getting flamed for botching final shot of Rory McIlroy winning Masters

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 8:06 AM ET

Rory McIlroy was filled with unbridled emotion as he sank the winning putt Sunday for back-to-back Masters glory. It’s a shame fans tuning into the CBS broadcast couldn’t see it.

McIlroy converted on a short putt from just inches away on the par-4 18th hole to win his second green jacket at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. The CBS broadcast made the questionable decision to show the moment from an angle wherein McIlroy’s legs were blocking the view between the ball and the hole.

The obstructed view made it unclear whether McIlroy’s ball went in. It took the context clues from the crowd cheering to confirm he had bagged his second Masters win.

Holywood has its sequel. #themasters pic.twitter.com/L7N9el2aC3
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026

Fans were understandably upset about the odd camerawork. Many spectators online roasted CBS for dropping the ball on locating McIlroy’s ball during what was meant to be the culmination of four days of play at Augusta.

seriously this is the shot you go with???

can’t even see the ball go in pic.twitter.com/FYxs30c5N2
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 12, 2026

Rory wins again…I think. CBS missed the last 4 shots. I guess that's what happens when you have one camera covering the course and the rest pointing at teenagers watching the broadcast in Ireland.
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) April 12, 2026

Getting texts about this – How was CBS Masters production so perfect all weekend then on the 18th they messed up like three things, including losing Rory’s ball on the crucial shot?
— Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) April 12, 2026

One could argue that the chaotic final shot was a fitting way to capture what was also a tumultuous tournament run from McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman dominated with a Masters record 6-shot lead through the first two days before seemingly unraveling past the midway point of the tournament. McIlroy was far from perfect over his last 36 holes, and even got into some trouble with a shaky tee shot on the decisive 18th.

All that mattered in the end was that McIlroy finished atop the Masters leaderboard, with his -12 total besting Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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