Masters collapse key to my success - McIlroy

RoryMcIlroy-cropped

A final-round collapse at the 2011 Masters led some to question whether Rory McIlroy had the mental toughness to win majors, but he will return to Augusta next week with the aim of completing a career grand slam.

The world number one suffered an infamous last-day meltdown four years ago, when a four-shot lead evaporated as he carded an error-strewn and nervy 80 - including six shots dropped across three nightmare holes.

It did not take long for the Northern Irishman to silence the doubters, though, as he triumphed at the US Open two months later to claim the first of his four majors.

And the 25-year-old insists his failure in Georgia was a catalyst for the success he has since enjoyed.

"I learned so much about myself and what I needed to do the next time I got into that position," he told BBC Sport.

"If I had not had the whole unravelling, if I had just made a couple of bogeys coming down the stretch and lost by one, I would not have learned as much.

"Luckily, it did not take me long to get into a position like that again when I was leading a major and I was able to get over the line quite comfortably.

"It was a huge learning curve for me and I needed it, and thankfully I have been able to move on to bigger and better things.

"Looking back on what happened in 2011, it doesn't seem as bad when you have four majors on your mantelpiece."

If McIlroy can add the green jacket to his list of honours, he will become only the sixth man to win all four majors, following in the footsteps of Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.

He is confident that he can join that elite club on April 12.

"If I was to look back as a 60-year-old at my career and had not won a green jacket I would be very disappointed," he added.

"It is the only one left and it is a course I feel I can do well at. I feel I could win multiple times, but getting that first one is the most important thing.

"Winning all four majors means you are a complete player. I can achieve something special."

Author(s)