Wounds will be Ror after his bad date with destiny
RORY MCILROY was 18 holes from immortality at Augusta.
One round from the Holy Grail of a grand slam and a place in the history books.
Unfortunately, it just didn’t happen for the World No7.
His putter went cold and it was a case of one step forward, one step back in the final round.
It must be tough for Rory to not feel the enormity of the occasion every time he tees it up at Augusta. He is only human.
Winning the Masters is hard enough, but when you add history to the equation, it’s going to be doubly difficult every time Mcilroy drives up Magnolia Lane.
He’s going to face the same dilemma – and demons – every April.
Winning another major between now and the 2019 Masters would help.
Assessing how pressure impacts upon the mechanics of his play is also key.
What I love and fear most about Rory is that he can be as vulnerable as he is brilliant, but I do believe his near misses at the Masters will benefit him long-term.
Jordan Spieth said recently that the pain of a major demise provides the greatest learning curve.
Rory will be hurting like hell, but he will have learnt a great deal about himself at Augusta.
Let’s not forget he won his first major at the 2011 US Open – just two months after he threw away a four shot lead in the final round at Augusta.
After the frustration subsides, his focus will turn to Shinnecock Hills in June.