The haunting Masters meltdown that changed Rory McIlroy's career

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**The Thrilling 2011 Masters**

Tears would flow during a phone call with his parents the following morning, but at his press conference, McIlroy was upbeat.

“ I’m very disappointed at the minute, and I’m sure I will be for the next few days, but I’ll get over it,” he said.
“I was leading this golf tournament with nine holes to go, and I just unraveled … It’s a Sunday at a major, what it can do.

”This is my first experience at it, and hopefully the next time I’m in this position I’ll be able to handle it a little better. I didn’t handle it particularly well today obviously, but it was a character-building day … I’ll come out stronger for it.”

Once again, McIlroy would be proven right.

Just eight weeks later in June, McIlroy rampaged to an eight-shot victory at the US Open. Records tumbled in his wake at Congressional, as he shot a tournament record 16-under 268 to become the youngest major winner since Tiger Woods at The Masters in 1997.

**The Missing Piece**

McIlroy’s contentment came with a caveat: it would be “unthinkable” if he did not win The Masters in his career.
Yet as he prepares for his 15th appearance at Augusta National this week, a green jacket remains an elusive missing item from his wardrobe.
Despite seven top-10 finishes in his past 10 Masters outings, the trophy remains the only thing separating McIlroy from joining the ranks of golf immortals to have completed golf’s career grand slam of all four majors in the modern era: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.

**The Road Ahead**

A runner-up finish to Scottie Scheffler last year marked McIlroy’s best finish at Augusta, yet arguably 2011 remains the closest he has ever been to victory. A slow start in 2022 meant McIlroy had begun Sunday’s deciding round 10 shots adrift of the American, who teed off for his final hole with a five-shot lead despite McIlroy’s brilliant 64 finish.
At 33 years old, time is still on his side. Though 2022 extended his major drought to eight years, it featured arguably his best golf since that golden season in 2014.
And as McIlroy knows better than most, things can change quickly at Augusta National.

I'm kinda curious about Rory McIlroy's game right now... like, he's been close so many times but can't seem to get over the line . People keep saying he needs a Masters win to complete his career slam and I get that, it'd be a huge milestone . But at the same time, I think he's shown we don't need to see him win every major for him to be considered one of the all-time greats . Seven top-10 finishes at Augusta in 10 years is no joke!

I'm really not buying into the hype around Rory McIlroy's next Masters win . I mean, 7 top-10 finishes in his last 10 tournaments isn't exactly a bad record, but it's not like he's been consistently dominating either. He had that crazy US Open win in '11 and then... crickets. It feels like we're just hearing about how close he was to winning The Masters in '11 all over again . Can't help but wonder if the pressure of finally getting a green jacket is going to get to him this time around?

the thing about mcilroy's career is how close he's come to achieving that green jacket... i mean, seven top-10 finishes in his last 10 masters outings is insane, but it still feels like he's one step away from greatness. maybe its because of the pressure or the expectations, but we all know he's got the game for it . and let's be real, who doesn't love a good underdog story? but at the same time, eight years is a pretty long drought, especially considering his age... does he still have what it takes to finally get that elusive win at augusta national? only time will tell

I'm so over how they handle the "player of the month" awards It's always someone who had a one-off great week vs actual consistency. Can't we get more recognition for those who have been grinding all season? It's like, Rory McIlroy is doing his thing and still can't win The Masters - it's time to give some love to the guys who are quietly racking up the points

omg this guy mcilroy, he's like so consistent but still can't get that masters win lmao he's been there 15 times and still no green jacket he's got a few top-10s under his belt which is cool, but you'd think at some point he'd just take it home at 33 he's not exactly old, so i'm curious to see if he'll finally break through this year

so i was thinking about rory mcilroy and his career goals... here's a simple mind map to visualize his situation:

```
+---------------------+
| McIlroy's Career |
| Goals |
+---------------------+
|
|
+---------------------+ +---------------------+
| Complete Grand Slam | | Elusive Green Jacket|
| (4 Majors in a Row) | | |
+---------------------+ +---------------------+
| |
+-------------------------+ +---------------------+
| Need to Win The | | Experience & Patience|
| Masters | | Will Be Key |
+-------------------------+ +---------------------+

```
i think mcilroy's biggest challenge is not just about winning the masters, but also about having the experience and patience to handle pressure. he's already shown that he can perform under stress, but it's one thing to win a major, another to do so consistently.

I'm telling you, Rory McIlroy's Masters drought is no coincidence . Think about it, he was so close in 2011 and then had a huge slump after that. It's like the golf gods were testing him . And now, all of a sudden, he's getting closer again? Come on, it's too convenient. I'm not buying it . Maybe someone's trying to throw him off his game... or maybe there's just some hidden agenda at play . Either way, I'll be keeping an eye on this one .

I feel like Rory McIlroy's struggles to win the Masters are like a metaphor for life itself . We're all chasing this elusive green jacket, just like how he is. It's not about the destination, but the journey we take to get there. He's had his share of highs and lows, just like any of us. And let's be real, 33 is still relatively young in golf years . I mean, Tiger Woods didn't win his first major until he was 24! It's all about patience and perseverance. We gotta remember that it's okay to not have everything figured out right now . Maybe this year will be the one for Rory... or maybe not . Either way, I'm rooting for him because that's what friends are for .

I'm not sure I buy into Rory McIlroy's "it'll be unthinkable" if he doesn't win The Masters thing . Seven top-10 finishes and no majors? That's still pretty impressive, but I think it's time for him to step up his game . Eight-shot victories at the US Open are great, but this is Augusta National we're talking about - where mental toughness really matters . And let's be real, McIlroy's 33 years old... is he starting to feel the pressure? .

can't believe Rory's still chasing that green jacket ... seven top-10s and no trophy to show for it? not exactly the kind of character-building experience he thought it'd be ... time's running out for him to complete that career grand slam, though - 33 is getting up there in golf years ... doesn't mean he can't do it, but maybe he needs a few more years (or some major course changes?) to get it done

he's so close to winning the masters and i feel bad for him because he's been preparing for it like a week but still can't get that green jacket maybe 2025 will be his year tho?

I'm a bit surprised Rory McIlroy has never won the Masters ... I mean, he's been so close multiple times! He's got seven top-10 finishes in his last 10 outings, and that 2011 performance was insane . You'd think it's just a matter of time before he finally cracks it and joins the all-time greats. And let's be real, at 33 years old, he's still got plenty of fire in the belly . I'm rooting for him to finally make that green jacket his own

omg lol so i cant even believe Rory Mcilroy is still chasing that green jacket he was so close in 2011 but like what happened? and now im watching him trying to do it again this year and its like wow he just got a major win at the US Open and we forgot about his struggles here lol anyway i feel for rory tho he seems like such a nice guy and idk man maybe hes just not meant to have that green jacket yet but id still watch him play every time he gets out on the course he just brings so much energy to the game

i cant believe Rory mcilroy still doesnt have a masters title he came so close back in 2011 and now its like the green jacket is his destiny itll be interesting to see if he can finally get over that hurdle this year i think hes got the game for it, but you never know what's gonna happen at augusta

omg just thinking about rory's story makes me wanna cry he came so close in 2011 but still gave up the green jacket and now its like 14 yrs later lol time is def on his side but u feelin me when i say rory needs that one major to complete the career slam idk what's gonna happen at aug this yr tho maybe he'll finally take it home

so what's the deal with Rory McIlroy? He's been playing some amazing golf lately and I think he's got a real shot at winning The Masters this year . He's been close before, like that time in 2011 when he was leading but just fell apart . But he's still so young, only 33, so I think he's got plenty of time to get that green jacket .

I mean, seven top-10 finishes in his last 10 Masters appearances is no joke . And he's been playing some of the best golf of his life since 2014, like that amazing run in 2022 . Of course, Augusta National can be a tricky beast to tame , but I think McIlroy's got what it takes.

So, do you guys think Rory McIlroy will finally win The Masters this year? Should he be considered the favorite with all his recent success ? Let me know what you're thinking!

I think Rory McIlroy is due for a big win at The Masters! He's been close before and has been playing some amazing golf lately . Eight-shot victory at the US Open in 2014 was incredible , so this could be his year to finally get that green jacket . Seven top-10 finishes in his past 10 Masters outings is a great record too . I'm loving his attitude and confidence - he knows it's not over yet for him!

so i think rory mcilroy getting that elusive green jacket is like the ultimate goal for any golfer . he's been so close before but just can't seem to get over the finish line. but at 33, you gotta wonder if it's all coming together now? his game has been solid, and that 64 he shot last year was insane . i'm keeping my fingers crossed for him this week. maybe 2023 will be the year .

OMG I remember when Rory McIlroy first started dominating the golf scene back in 2011. He was so young and talented! I think he had a pretty good run going after that Masters win, but you know how it is, consistency is key . He's still got this major drought thing going on, but I'm sure he'll break through soon . I mean, 33 isn't old for golf, and he's been practicing hard in between tournaments . Fingers crossed he brings home that green jacket at Augusta this year!