"It's going to be hard to take for a few days" - When Rory McIlroy lost the Masters 2011 after a crushing final-round collapse

Rory McIlroy has tasted success in three of the four Majors but has been striving for a win at the Masters to complete his Grand Slam. He has come close a few times, with the closest being in 2011, when a final-round collapse resulted in a heartbreaking loss.

The 75th edition of the Masters Tournament took place from April 7 to 10, 2011, at Augusta National Golf Club. McIlroy, still searching for his first Major championship title, entered the tournament with T3 finishes in three of his past two Major appearances.

In the first round, McIlroy fired a 7-under 65, setting the tone for the week and securing a joint lead. On Day 2, he carded a solid 3-under 69, extending his lead to two strokes after 36 holes. He followed this up with a 2-under 70 in the third round, increasing his lead over the field to four shots. It appeared his first Major win was just 18 holes away, but his biggest nightmare was yet to come.

On Day 4, Rory McIlroy began with a bogey and added another to shoot 37 on the front nine. He still had a one-stroke lead over Charl Schwartzel, Ángel Cabrera and Tiger Woods, who had gone on a birdie spree on the front nine.

McIlroy's nightmare started on the 10th hole, where he made a triple bogey, followed by a three-putt on the 11th. On the 12th, it took him four putts to finish the hole, and he added another bogey on the 15th to eventually card an 80. With this, he slipped to T15, while Schwartzel made four straight birdies on the final four holes to claim his only Major championship.

During the post-round interview, Rory McIlroy was visibly disappointed while reflecting on his performance and the tough day on the course.

"It's going to be hard to take for a few days, but I'll get over it," he said. "I'm fine."

However, 14 years have passed since that tournament, and the Northern Irishman has yet to win a green jacket.

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How has Rory McIlroy performed at the Masters? Record explored

Rory McIlroy has missed three cuts in his thirteen appearances at the Masters Tournament. He has earned seven top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish in 2022.

Here's a look at McIlroy's results at the Masters:

• 2009 - T20
• 2010 - CUT
• 2011 - T15
• 2012 - T40
• 2013 - T25
• 2014 - T8
• 2015 - 4
• 2016 - T10
• 2017 - T7
• 2018 - T5
• 2019 - T21
• 2020 - T5
• 2021 - CUT
• 2022 - 2
• 2023 - CUT
• 2024 - T22