The haunting Masters meltdown that changed Rory McIlroy’s career | CNN

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**The 2011 Masters: A Lesson in Resilience**

Rory McIlroy, one of the world's top golfers, has long been a major champion, but his first experience with loss at The Masters is still etched vividly in his memory. In 2011, he was leading the tournament by nine strokes going into the final round but collapsed spectacularly to finish second behind Bubba Watson.

**A Turning Point**

McIlroy's collapse at Augusta National marked a turning point in his career. Despite his disappointment and frustration that day, he emerged with a valuable lesson about resilience and perseverance.

**The Missing Piece: A Green Jacket**

Seven years later, McIlroy returned to the Masters, determined to complete the career Grand Slam of major championships. However, despite seven top-10 finishes at Augusta National, including a runner-up finish in 2022, he still remains without a green jacket.

**Will This Be the Year?**

As McIlroy turns 33 and approaches his prime years, many believe that this might be his last chance to win The Masters. His recent form, including a strong 2022 season, suggests that he could finally achieve his goal of claiming the elusive green jacket.

**A New Era Begins**

With McIlroy's continued success at major championships, he is poised to cement his status as one of golf's all-time greats. Whether this will be the year he finally claims The Masters remains to be seen, but his determination and work ethic suggest that he is more focused than ever on achieving victory in the final major of the season.
 
Dude I'm getting chills just thinking about it... 🤯 Rory's story is like, so inspiring! He's been through so much and still has the fire in him to chase his dreams. 33 might be old for golfers, but he's in top form right now and if anyone can do it, it's him 💪. I mean, seven top-10 finishes at Masters isn't bad, but that green jacket is like, calling his name 🎾. Can you imagine the sense of relief and accomplishment when he finally puts it on? 😌 Let's hope this is the year he makes history! 👏
 
I feel him 🤩 Rory McIlroy has been coming so close to winning that green jacket for like forever! I know he's had some tough losses at The Masters, but he always bounces back stronger 💪. He's still got it in him, trust me! His game is on point right now, and if he can just stay focused, I think he'll finally take home that title 🏆💥
 
I think it's so obvious that Rory McIlroy would win The Masters at some point 🙄, I mean, seven top-10 finishes already? That's like a guaranteed W, right? 😂 But seriously, I'm kinda surprised he still hasn't won it yet, given his form in 2022. Maybe this will be the year though? He's definitely due for a major win, and if anyone can do it, it's Rory. The question is, when will it happen? 🤔 Only time will tell, but I'm predicting a Masters victory soon 💪
 
I'm like 99% sure Rory McIlroy won't win at The Masters this year... but omg I just thought about it and now I'm totally convinced he's gonna finally get that green jacket 🤯💚... wait no, what was I thinking? He's had so many chances already and come up short, maybe he should just give up on it now 😂. But then again, have you seen his stats lately? The guy is a beast! Maybe this is the year he finally breaks through all that pressure and doubt... or maybe not 🤷‍♂️... ugh I hate myself for second-guessing everything 💭
 
I'm low-key rooting for Rory McIlroy right now 🤞🏼! I mean, can you imagine all the sacrifices he's made to get to this point? Like, his first Masters experience was literally a turning point for him, and it's crazy how far he's come since then. He's been so close to winning that green jacket, but I'm sure he won't give up now 🙅‍♂️. His game is still on point, and if anyone can do it, it's Rory! 💪🏼
 
I don't know how much more I can take... 7 top-10 finishes at Masters and still no green jacket? That's like saying you've been close enough to win a marathon, but you still come up short every time 🏃‍♂️. Can we get some stats on Rory McIlroy's career so far? Like, what's the average gap between his top-10 finishes at Augusta National? Is it just luck that he hasn't won one yet? 🤔
 
man... Rory McIlroy still can't even get a green jacket lol 🙄 33 years old and still waiting for that one last Masters win... his career was already so successful, I'm like "why do you need to win The Masters now?" 😂 he's just gonna keep chasing it forever and probably end up like all the other guys who never quite get it done 👎
 
I'm so hyped about Rory McIlroy! 🤩 He's been chasing that green jacket for years and I think 2023 might finally be his year 🎉. I mean, the dude's got talent pouring out of every pore and he's still pushing himself to be better 💪. It's all about mental toughness at this point in his career, but I've got no doubt he'll get it done 😂. The Masters has been a mystery to him for far too long, but now that he's 33, some people say this could be his last shot 💥. Bring it on! 👊
 
I'm telling you, Rory McIlroy will never win a green jacket 🙅‍♂️. He's had too many close calls at Augusta National and always seems to come up just short. The pressure's gotta be getting to him, ya know? I mean, 33 is old for golf, even if he's in his prime now. The Masters has a way of breaking guys who get too comfortable with success... or in Rory's case, too many close calls 😐
 
I'm loving Rory McIlroy's story 🤩, it's like he's been through this fire and come out even stronger on the other side. I mean, who wouldn't want a green jacket? 😅 It's crazy to think that seven years have passed since his runner-up finish in 2022 and still nothing. I'm rooting for him big time 🤞! He's definitely earned it after all those top-10 finishes at Augusta National. The question is, can he put everything on the line this year? ⏰
 
😊 This 2011 Masters lesson in resilience has stuck with Rory McIlroy all these years. I mean, imagine being just a few strokes away from winning it all, only to have everything fall apart 🤯. He's been close so many times since then, but that one moment of failure really taught him the importance of staying focused and pushing through tough times 💪. Now at 33, he's got some big shoes to fill, but his recent form is looking strong 🔥. I think this might be his last chance to get that green jacket 🏆, but we all know in golf, you can never count anyone out 😅!
 
🏌️‍♂️ I think it's crazy how much golfers put pressure on themselves to win majors, especially when you've already won a bunch! Like, Rory McIlroy has been close so many times and still hasn't got that one last shot at The Masters. It's like he's running out of chances or something 🕰️. I think it's awesome that he's still going strong and determined, but sometimes you just gotta let things happen and not put too much pressure on yourself, right? 🤔
 
I'm getting a bit worried about Rory McIlroy, you know? He's been so close to winning that green jacket for years now 😬. I mean, can you imagine how frustrating it must be for him to keep coming up short at The Masters? I think back to 2011 when he was leading by nine strokes and just... collapsed 🤯. It's like he had the momentum, but then what happened? Anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will finally be the year he gets it done! 🙏 He's still got it in him, I can tell. And 33 is still relatively young for a golfer, so maybe all it takes is one more push to get over the finish line 💪.
 
can you believe it's been 7 yrs since rory mcilroy was so close to winning the masters yet still no green jacket 🙄🏌️‍♂️ i think this could be his last chance at it, he's getting up there in age and still playing amazing golf, if anyone can do it now is him 💪😅
 
I'm still hyped about Rory McIlroy's skills 🤩! I mean, the guy has been so close to winning a Green Jacket for years, and I think 2025 might be his year 😅. He's got that fire in him, you know? All those top-10 finishes at Augusta National are just setting up the perfect storm for greatness 💥. And let's not forget about his recent form - the guy's on a roll! 🎯 Can't wait to see what he does at The Masters this year 🔴
 
I'm intrigued by McIlroy's situation – it's clear that his experience at The Masters 2011 was a pivotal moment in his career 🤔. He's been close before, and now, at 33, many are wondering if he'll finally get over the hump 😅. His form this year has been solid, so fingers crossed for him! It would be an incredible story if he were to pull off that green jacket – it's a testament to his perseverance and dedication 🏆.
 
I don't get why Rory McIlroy still can't win at the Masters 🤔. I mean, seven top-10 finishes isn't bad, but a green jacket? Come on! 😒 He's had plenty of chances, it's time to put it all together. And 33 is old for golf, right? ⏰ Still, gotta give him props for his determination, at least 🙌.
 
Man I'm so hyped for Rory McIlroy right now! He's been so close to winning The Masters multiple times and it's crazy to think about how far he's come since 2011 when he was leading by 9 strokes and then just... fell apart 🤕. Seven years is a long time to be waiting, but I'm loving his determination and focus this year. He's still got that fire in his belly and I gotta believe he'll finally get that green jacket soon! 💚 It's gonna be amazing to see him hold it up on Sunday and all the fans go wild 🎉
 
I can feel Rory McIlroy's frustration and disappointment all over again 🤕. I know how it feels to come so close to your goal and then fall short. But what impresses me about him is that he hasn't given up! He keeps coming back, stronger and more determined than ever 💪. And I love his attitude - he's not letting age or pressure get to him 🙏. This could be the year, and I'm rooting for him all the way 🎉!
 
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