Rory McIlroy is the eighth multiple-winner of the PGA Tour’s premier championship. It’s also the first time in his career he has won twice early in the season before the Masters.

Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun have had contrasting careers. But they both know the sting of defeat, the joy of victory, an how both mold a player.

It’s the first time in his career he has won twice going into the Masters, the major that for more than a decade has kept him from joining golf’s most elite group with the career Grand Slam.