[Masters] McIlroy's 'Career Slam' Challenge Stops at Tied 5th Place

Round 1 Struggles with 3 Over Par '5 Attempts 6 Failures' "Equipped with Precise Iron Shots, Looking Forward to Next Year"

Rory McIlroy is making a bunker shot on the 2nd hole of the final day at the Masters. Augusta, Georgia, USA - Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Six years of attempts have ended in failure.

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) failed to become the sixth 'Career Grand Slammer' in global golf history. On the final day of the Masters (total prize money $11.5 million), held on the 16th (Korean time) at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (par 72, 7,475 yards), he reduced his score by 3 strokes but finished tied for 5th place (11 under par, 277 strokes). His challenge to sweep the four different major championships for the 'Career Grand Slam' has been postponed until next year.

McIlroy had previously won the 2011 US Open, the 2012 PGA Championship, and the 2014 Open Championship in succession. The Masters was the last puzzle piece for this great record. Only five players have achieved the 'Career Grand Slam': Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan (both USA), Gary Player (South Africa), Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods (both USA). McIlroy has had no luck with the Masters: tied 4th in 2015, tied 10th in 2016, tied 7th in 2017, tied 5th in 2018, and tied 21st in 2019.

He has put great effort into mastering Augusta National. Right after winning the 2014 Open Championship, he developed an 'Augusta strategy' and invited Jeff Knox (USA), a member of Augusta, for practice rounds. In 2015, he even underwent vision correction surgery to acquire 'hawk eyes.' This year was considered especially favorable for McIlroy because the tournament date was changed from April to November due to the spread of COVID-19.

There was also analysis that "lower temperatures and headwinds favor long hitters." Although he aimed for his sixth attempt in five tries, his poor performance with 3 over par in the first round became a burden. In the second round, he showed resilience by making six birdies without any bogeys, and in the third round, he demonstrated strong finishing power with 5 under par. McIlroy, who said "my iron shots were not solid," commented, "Winner Dustin Johnson (USA) played solid golf," and added, "I will try again next year."

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