McIlroy "Distant Masters"... "Back Again in April Next Year~"

2011 US Open, 2012 PGA Championship, and July 2014 The Open Won in Sequence, Frustrated for 6 Years Because of the Masters

Rory McIlroy's challenge for the 'Career Grand Slam' has been postponed again until April next year.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "See you again in April."

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)'s challenge for the 'Career Grand Slam,' sweeping the four different majors, has been postponed until next year. Having consecutively won the 2011 US Open, the 2012 PGA Championship, and the 2014 July Open, the Masters remains the final puzzle. In the history of global golf, only five players have achieved this great record: Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan (both USA), Gary Player (South Africa), Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods (both USA).

McIlroy put great effort into this, creating a strategy for Augusta National Golf Club early on after winning the 2014 Open, and practicing rounds with member Jeff Knox (USA). In 2015, he even underwent vision correction surgery to acquire 'hawk eyes,' but it remains a fortress. He has repeatedly fallen short, finishing tied for 4th in 2015, tied for 10th in 2016, tied for 7th in 2017, tied for 5th in 2018, and tied for 21st in 2019.

This year, he pinned even greater hopes on the 'Autumn Masters.' Originally scheduled for April, the event was moved to November due to COVID-19, and experts analyzed that "low temperatures and playing against headwinds favor long hitters." However, McIlroy was held back by a 3-over-par in the first round. Although he showed strong finishes with 6-under-par in the second round, 5-under-par in the third round, and 3-under-par on the final day on the 16th (Korean time), he remained tied for 5th place.

McIlroy also expressed regret, saying, "From the second day through 54 holes, I only had two bogeys, and I've never played this well at the Masters." He admitted to a 'Masters jitters,' saying, "Honestly, I was scared and hesitant beforehand," and "I lacked confidence in my swing." Interestingly, he said that this 'no-audience event' helped him gain confidence. "It reduced psychological pressure, and I made many good shots," he said, promising, "I will definitely show a changed version of myself in April next year."

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