Well, the 2011 Masters is over and it delivered everything it promised to!
For 3 days, 54 holes and numerous ups and downs a 21 year old Northern Irish man hailing from Holywood County Down lit up Augusta!
Rory McIlroy played some magnificent golf and handled himself both professionally and admirably at all times.
Unfortunately though most of that is not what will be forged in most people’s memories.
Rory went into the final round with an impressive 4 shot lead but after bogeying the first hole the writing was on the wall. His round deteriorated in front of everyone watching live and it was so hard to watch even the BBC directed their programme coverage elsewhere on the course.
I have heard some ridiculous stories circulating today that the young man bottled it and was never mentally strong enough to cope in the last round. Well, all I have to say on that is it is absolute nonsense!
This young man is just about to turn 22 next month and he has already achieved what most people could only ever dream off. Rory McIlroy was winning titles from a very young age and he will continue to win titles for a very long time.
At nearly 22 we could say he has another 20 years at the highest level so in my calculations that is another 80 majors to compete for!
After unravelling in front of everyone on the Sunday he gave what I thought was a brilliant press conference and showed maturity well beyond his years!
Rory can leave Augusta with his head held high knowing he left a mark on the course to return one day and get that ‘Green Jacket’.
As a fellow member of Holywood County Down where Rory hails from I can categorically state that we are all proud of you Rory and you are an absolute credit to your home club, Northern Ireland and Golf in general.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Charl Schwartzel on what was a magnificent final round and I bet he loved the feeling of slipping that green jacket on.
That’s me for now and please feel free to comment on any of the above.
Warmest regards
Gerard
Good post Gerard. Certainly think you are right, Rory will have many more opportunities. Hopefully he picks his head up and moves on. Am sure he will find himself in that situation again sometime and hopefully he finishes better then. On the other hand, what a great Masters. Fantastic finish by Charl. Pure brilliant!!!!!!!!
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