Rory McIlroy’s Long Road From Masters Collapse to Career Grand Slam
Fourteen years after a stunning collapse at Augusta, McIlroy returned to the same course and won the one major he needed most.
Athletes World
• Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland raises his trophy after winning the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
• Licensed Photo: UPI / Alamy
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Rory McIlroy was 21 when the Masters seemed to be his.
He entered the final round in 2011 with a four-shot lead and was still in front when he reached Augusta National's back nine. Then his drive on the 10th sailed left toward the cabins.
McIlroy made triple bogey, followed it with a bogey and then four-putted the 12th for double bogey. He shot 80 and fell all the way to a tie for 15th. (PGA Tour, 2025)
Augusta would follow him for years.
He entered the final round in 2011 with a four-shot lead and was still in front when he reached Augusta National's back nine. Then his drive on the 10th sailed left toward the cabins.
McIlroy made triple bogey, followed it with a bogey and then four-putted the 12th for double bogey. He shot 80 and fell all the way to a tie for 15th. (PGA Tour, 2025)
Augusta would follow him for years.
