For sheer nail biting drama, few sports events in recent times have come close to Rory McIlroy’s triumph in the US Masters on the fabled Augusta course on Sunday. In an extraordinary finale, the Irish golfer found the inner strength to overcome a string of setbacks before almost falling over the finish line to win his first ever green jacket and write his name into sporting history. The drama was all the greater as, having appeared to have the title in his grasp, McIlroy faltered, before coming up with a brilliant finish.
McIlroy is a once in a generation talent who has captured the hearts of the sporting public almost as much for his crushing losses as for his many victories. His torment at seeing opportunities to win the Masters, the only golf major that eluded him up until Sunday, has been played out in front of a global audience a number of times.
Many will recall the tears that followed his 2011 final round collapse when, as a 21-year-old, he wilted on the back nine when he had a four shot lead.
Subsequent near misses in his annual quest to complete the career grand slam in golf led many to doubt whether McIlroy could ever overcome the mental obstacles. Those doubts were finally put to rest on Sunday – but not before one of the most dramatic final rounds in the history of the US Masters. Going from an extremely nervous start – where he saw his lead evaporate on the opening two holes – to forging a five shot gap after ten holes, McIlroy then squandered his advantage with elementary mistakes .
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As all the doubts resurfaced – no doubt even in his own head – he then went from the ridiculous to the sublime, hitting glorious iron shots on holes 15 and 17 to restore his lead, before missing a short putt to secure victory on the final hole. The rest is history as he beat off the challenge of a brave Justin Rose on the first play-off hole.
His emotional outburst and the scenes that followed underlined why sport is so compelling. It was a day when golfing genius and human frailty combined to deliver the right result. The resilience to bounce back and finally deliver is what resonated with the public. Rory – finally – did it.
