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Rory McIlroy's Masters nightmare still haunts him today
It was a day that would haunt Rory McIlroy for the rest of his life. Just eight weeks after his heart-wrenching collapse at the 2011 Masters, McIlroy rampaged to an eight-shot victory at the US Open, shattering records and cementing his status as one of golf's elite.
McIlroy was just 22 years old when he unraveled on a sunny Sunday afternoon in April 2011. Leading by nine strokes with only five holes left to play, McIlroy's nerves got the better of him and he imploded, shooting a disastrous 81 to hand Scott McDowell the Masters title.
But despite that crushing defeat, McIlroy emerged from the wreckage stronger and more determined than ever. And as he prepares for his 15th appearance at Augusta National this week, a green jacket remains an elusive missing item from his wardrobe.
"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," McIlroy said in a press conference last year. "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."
McIlroy has since spoken about the importance of that experience in shaping his career. "If I had not had the whole unravelling, if I had just made a couple of bogeys coming down the stretch and lost by one, I would not have learned as much," he told the BBC.
And learn he did. McIlroy went on to win three majors in 2014 - the US Open, PGA Championship, and The Open Championship - with triumphs that cemented his status as one of golf's elite.
But despite those successes, the Masters remains the one major title that has eluded him. Runner-up finishes to Scottie Scheffler last year and Brooks Koepka in 2022 were close but ultimately not enough to bring home the championship.
At 33 years old, time is still on McIlroy's 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. "A runner-up finish this year would be an incredible achievement," he said last month. "I feel like I've been close enough times before to know how good it feels."
So, what's holding him back from achieving that elusive Masters victory? McIlroy has given little indication of any specific issues or concerns. Instead, he seems focused on taking things one tournament at a time.
"I'm looking forward to this week," he said. "I'll try to learn as much as I can and take care of my game."
With 15 Masters appearances under his belt, McIlroy is no stranger to the pressure cooker that is Augusta National. And when it comes down to it, he's a player who has consistently risen to the challenge.
So, will this be the year that finally brings home the green jacket? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure - Rory McIlroy will give it his all and leave everything on the course once again.
Rory McIlroy's Masters nightmare still haunts him today
It was a day that would haunt Rory McIlroy for the rest of his life. Just eight weeks after his heart-wrenching collapse at the 2011 Masters, McIlroy rampaged to an eight-shot victory at the US Open, shattering records and cementing his status as one of golf's elite.
McIlroy was just 22 years old when he unraveled on a sunny Sunday afternoon in April 2011. Leading by nine strokes with only five holes left to play, McIlroy's nerves got the better of him and he imploded, shooting a disastrous 81 to hand Scott McDowell the Masters title.
But despite that crushing defeat, McIlroy emerged from the wreckage stronger and more determined than ever. And as he prepares for his 15th appearance at Augusta National this week, a green jacket remains an elusive missing item from his wardrobe.
"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," McIlroy said in a press conference last year. "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."
McIlroy has since spoken about the importance of that experience in shaping his career. "If I had not had the whole unravelling, if I had just made a couple of bogeys coming down the stretch and lost by one, I would not have learned as much," he told the BBC.
And learn he did. McIlroy went on to win three majors in 2014 - the US Open, PGA Championship, and The Open Championship - with triumphs that cemented his status as one of golf's elite.
But despite those successes, the Masters remains the one major title that has eluded him. Runner-up finishes to Scottie Scheffler last year and Brooks Koepka in 2022 were close but ultimately not enough to bring home the championship.
At 33 years old, time is still on McIlroy's 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. "A runner-up finish this year would be an incredible achievement," he said last month. "I feel like I've been close enough times before to know how good it feels."
So, what's holding him back from achieving that elusive Masters victory? McIlroy has given little indication of any specific issues or concerns. Instead, he seems focused on taking things one tournament at a time.
"I'm looking forward to this week," he said. "I'll try to learn as much as I can and take care of my game."
With 15 Masters appearances under his belt, McIlroy is no stranger to the pressure cooker that is Augusta National. And when it comes down to it, he's a player who has consistently risen to the challenge.
So, will this be the year that finally brings home the green jacket? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure - Rory McIlroy will give it his all and leave everything on the course once again.
u would be like " what's the point of even trying? 
" but nope, he came back stronger & now he's like 33 & still chasing that dream u gotta respect the guy tho 
maybe this yr'll b the one tho 
The thing with Rory McIlroy is he's always been super down to earth about his struggles and stuff like that Masters collapse in 2011 
But I think what's cool is how he's turned that experience into fuel for his career 
It's not just about winning, it's about learning from your mistakes and growing as a player. And I mean, the guy's had some amazing successes since then - three majors in 2014 was a big deal 
So yeah, I think he's got this thing for the Masters but sometimes these things take time 
he's still got this 
rory's still got game 
gotta root for the guy, even if he hasn't won the Masters yet 
he's been so close 2 that masters title like 5 times already & its getting frustrating 4 him lol! but u know what? he's still got it, thx to dat 2011 us open win where he kinda "unraveled" on the course 
? Scottie Scheffler was having a great year but I think Rory had him right where he wanted him 
... maybe this is the year?
. And let's be real, 33 isn't that old for a major win 
. It's not like he's getting any younger or anything 
. Time is still on his side and I think he's due for a big one 
. Bring it on Augusta! 
HE'S BEEN SO CLOSE SO MANY TIMES BEFORE, BUT THAT ONE MAJOR TITLE REMAINS THE ELUSIVE GHOST ON HIS BACK. 
I THINK IT'S BECAUSE HE PUTS TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON HIMSELF AND STARTS TO MAKE MISTAKES WHEN IT REALLY MATTERS. 
BUT HE'S A TOUGH GUY, SO I'M SURE HE'LL KEEP TRYING AND LEARN FROM HIS MISTAKES. 
I mean, he said if he hadn't blown it, he wouldn't have learned as much and won more majors later. That's super deep! 
Time is still on his side, so maybe this year will be the one... 
But what's crazy is how that failure actually helped him become an even better golfer 
. And with his experience and determination, I think he's got a good shot 
. Of course, golf can be super unpredictable, but I love how he's staying focused on one tournament at a time 
.
. Fingers crossed it'll happen this year!
he's had such a great career and still can't seem to get that Masters win 
. And now, eight years later, and still no green jacket 
.
️. But sometimes, you gotta move on and focus on the present 
. It's time to put the past behind him and go for it 
. But if he doesn't give it a good shot, can we really say he's done everything he can? 
That's just my two cents 
.