Golf Rory’s Augusta wait goes on after slow start

RORY McIlroy was left to rue nine poor holes in his opening round as his bid to complete the career Grand Slam with a Masters victory was put on hold for at least five more months.

The four-time major winner finished in a tie for fifth place, a distant nine shots behind runaway champion Dustin Johnson, despite posting a third successive sub-70 score with a final-round 69.

Unfortunately the damage was done in the first round when, resuming early on Friday after a delayed start to the opening day, he carded four bogeys and just one birdie in his remaining nine holes to shoot 75 - his worst first round in 12 starts at Augusta.

“I look back on this week and obviously rue what happened maybe not on Thursday because I felt I played OK but that Friday morning coming back and finishing that first round,” the Northern Irishman, pictured inset, told Sky Sports. “But after that I played well, I hung in there, just had to shoot a good score to be here for the weekend and played a really solid weekend.”

The absence of crowds at a Masters being held in mid November looked to have been to the liking of some of the players.

Whether that situation will be the same next April remains to be seen, however, McIlroy said he will try to maintain his more relaxed approach then when he continues his quest for a green jacket to complete a full set of majors.

“It’s a little more relaxed and I like this vibe a little better, he said.