The 2011 Master's had even non golf fans watching. The focus this year revolved primarily around 21 year old Rory McIlroy. Rory went into this year’s major golf tournament with titles such as “The New Tiger” and “Ror of the Tiger.” McIlroy’s start to the tournament made fans believe that living up to the high set expectations shouldn’t be a problem. Rory started out with a bogey free 65 easing himself into a four-spot cushion by Saturday night.
By Sunday morning the new Tiger’s “ror” started to dwindle into a feint whimper. McIlrory bogeyed his first hole with a missed 3 foot par putt. The three pars that followed only led to another bogey on 5. A tee shot ending up between two Peek and Berckman Cabins resulted in his third bogey. With the lead lost for good, the bogey on 11 and double bogey on 12 were more emotionally altering than anything.
The young talent had choked with the whole world watching ending up tied for 15th. The fallout was traumatic perhaps for a young 21-year-old, but also hopeful with the assurance of many tournaments to come.
When asked on how he felt about the letdown McIlory responded, “I’m very disappointed at the minute, and I’m sure I will be for the next few days, but I’ll get over it. I’ll have plenty more chances. I know that. It’s very disappointing what happened today. Hopefully it’ll build a little bit of character in me, as well.”
While Rory was falling apart, South African Charl Shwartzel was beginning his race to the top. Unlike McIlory, Shwartzel remained out of the media spotlight as the underdog of the tournament. Ranked 29th, Shwartzel brought little expectation to the tournament. His comeback began in the final round. His chip in for birdie on the first hole set the stage for the rest of the day. Shwartzel bogeyed the fourth hole, but 11 pars later broke away from the pack assuring his first PGA TOUR win.
By: Ellie Fink
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