Stunned Rory vows to get Georgia off his mind
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WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES: Rory went from exhilaration to despair as his dreams of winning a Major turned to nightmare
RORY McIlroy has vowed to come back stronger than ever following his heartbreaking Masters meltdown.
"Well that wasn't part of the plan," McIlroy said today as he began the slow process of rebuilding his confidence after the biggest collapse since Greg Norman in '96.
Tens of millions of viewers around the world watched in horror as McIlroy played like a high handicap golfer, missing the most basic putts and pulling his drives.
The golfer admitted he "found it tough going" on the final day of the tournament which saw him drop from first to joint 15th position.
The 21-year-old suffered a nightmare round of 80 as his hopes of becoming the first Irishman to wear the fabled Green Jacket evaporated. But Rory's friends, family and fans have rallied around as he tries to put the event behind him.
"Well that wasn't the plan!" he told his followers on Twitter after blowing his biggest chance yet of landing a Major.
"Found it tough going today, but you have to lose before you can win. This day will make me stronger in the end," he said.
McIlroy added: "Thank you to everyone for all your kind words and messages of support. I'm a little overwhelmed! Very much appreciated!"
The Holywood, Co Down, native was magnanimous in defeat, congratulating South African Charl Schwartzel (26), who won the 75th Masters at Augusta National in Georgia.
Rory's golfing pals have shown their support, with fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell saying: "It's gonna feel like the end of the world a little right now but this will be a huge learning experience."
Ian Poulter added: "Trust me folks (Rory) will be back in full force quicker than ever. It will be hard to take but it will make him stronger."
McIlroy told reporters afterwards: "I'm very disappointed. I was leading this golf tournament with nine holes to go and it just unravelled."
comurphy@herald.ie
- Cormac Murphy
