MAC LOSES GRIP AGAIN

Rory bogeys last to derail Slam-bid rally

RORY McILROY found his Major winning form too late after another “demoralising” round at the Masters yesterday.

The Ulsterman arrived at the first Major of the season as the red-hot favourite after winning The Players Championship and finishing in the top 10 in his every appearance this season.

And the world No.3 – who turns 30 next month – had a golden chance to complete his career Grand Slam.

But starting with blocking his first tee shot into the trees on this way to an opening bogey, the four-time Major winner struggled under the weight of history over his opening two rounds – and for the first 12 holes yesterday too as he missed a succession of putts.

McIlroy finally came good over the final six holes in his third round with two birdies and an eagle – but then bogeyed the last to shoot a 71 and creep up to one-under par for the tournament.

But he finished just as the 36-hole leaders were teeing off – and at that point stood eight shots off the lead down in tied 39th place.

In the last 29 years, the winner of the Masters has started the final round in the top five.

Sir Nick Faldo said: “His putting is the mega-frustration. He has been burning the cup from 8-10-12 feet. He has got to be disappointed. He burns the edge of the cup so many times – it must be demoralising.”

After overnight rain softened the Augusta National, McIlroy needed a red-hot start on a sticky Georgia day to stand any chance of getting back into contention.

But he played the first 12 holes in two-over par after four bogeys and only two birdies. He missed the green on No.9 from 114 yards and needed three shots from 14 feet at No.11 on his way to a bogey.

But a missed five-foot birdie putt on No.12 was the catalyst for him to stage a late charge.

On 13, he pulled his drive into the trees, chipped out and then made a 13-foot birdie putt. On 15, he hit a fairway iron from 225 yards to eight feet for eagle, and on the par-16th, he hit his tee shot to 12 feet and drained another putt.

Patrick Cantlay was on course to equal the Masters course of 63 after making eight birdies in his first 17 holes before driving into the trees at the last.

The American still salvaged a par for a 64 to leap onto the leaderboard at six-under par after two opening rounds of 73. He needed only 24 putts and only birdied one of the par-fives

“It was great,” said the world No.21. “I felt really comfortable today. I was a bit more aggressive today. I thought the course was softer after the rain last night. I was able to drive it well and had chances from the middle of the fairway.

“I thought the hole locations were much easier today and you could hit it close. I was most proud of going bogey-free – made a good up and down on 18 to keep my card clean.

“I am going to have the same mentality tomorrow. Stay aggressive and be smart when I have to.”

McIlroy’s round was also put in perspective by the performance of his playing partner, the Japanese amateur Takumi Kanaya (left). He shot a fourunder par 68 to sit one-under par going into the final round.

“I wanted to be aggressive, a little bit different from yesterday, and I was able to get those birdies,” said the 20-year-old from Hiroshima.

Tyrell Hatton shot a level-par 72 to remain on two-over par.