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Rory McIlroy Eyes Career Grand Slam at The Masters
As Rory McIlroy prepares for a pivotal Sunday at The Masters, the Northern Irish golfer finds himself in a familiar position—gunning for a major title that has eluded him for nearly 11 years. However, standing in his way is Bryson DeChambeau, who previously bested McIlroy at the 2023 US Open.
Last June, at Pinehurst, McIlroy was poised to secure a much-anticipated victory. With just four holes remaining, he held a lead, only to falter with critical bogeys on 16 and 18, missing crucial short putts. This misstep paved the way for DeChambeau to clinch his second major title, marking yet another chapter in McIlroy’s ongoing quest for a fifth major championship.
Following an impressive third-round score of 66 at Augusta National, McIlroy enters the final round with a two-shot advantage, positioning himself favorably in the pursuit of the elusive Grand Slam. Yet, DeChambeau’s strong finish, including a stunning long-range birdie on the 18th, ensures an exciting finale is on the horizon.
Support for McIlroy Grows Among Experts
Golf enthusiasts, both on-site and watching from home, anticipate a thrilling showdown. Experts like Dame Laura Davies and Rich Beem, commenting on Sky Sports, are leaning toward McIlroy’s potential triumph, suggesting that his moment to secure the Grand Slam has arrived. Davies expressed confidence in McIlroy’s chances, stating, “He has served his time, and this could be the Grand Slam.”
Beem echoed this sentiment, emphasizing McIlroy’s growth since his past attempts, asserting, “He is more prepared to win by far than the previous ten attempts at the Grand Slam.” Yet he acknowledged DeChambeau’s advantage stemming from their previous encounter at Pinehurst, where the memory of McIlroy’s disappointment might linger in his mind.
The Mental Game at Augusta
As McIlroy faces the challenge of competing against DeChambeau, he has shown a refreshed mental approach, partially attributed to his work with sports psychologist Bob Rotella. This season, McIlroy has already celebrated victories at both The Players Championship and the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, contributing to a more confident mindset as he heads into the Masters.
“Situations like this are the reason I get up, work hard, and try to do the right things,” McIlroy stated after his third-round performance, expressing eagerness for the intense competition ahead. He is focused on not shying away from the pressure, which he believes serves as motivation.
Davies also underscored the lessons learned from McIlroy’s past experiences, particularly the painful 2011 Masters, where he lost a four-shot lead to finish tied for 15th. “You learn more from those [losses] than from victories,” she noted, reinforcing the idea that McIlroy is now better equipped to handle the weight of expectation.
Looking Ahead: A Two-Man Race?
While the spotlight shines on McIlroy and DeChambeau, other competitors such as Patrick Reed and defending champion Scottie Scheffler remain in the mix, though six and seven strokes behind, respectively. However, the narrative largely revolves around McIlroy’s quest for the Grand Slam versus DeChambeau’s intent to thwart that aspiration.
The dynamic between the two players serves as a backdrop to what many hope will be a compelling conclusion to this year’s Masters. As fans eagerly await Sunday’s final round, the question remains: Will it be McIlroy’s breakthrough moment or another chapter of near-misses?
Masters Viewing Information
Sky Sports Golf is offering extensive live coverage of The Masters, starting with a special build-up show beginning at 3 PM, and full coverage commencing at 5 PM on Sunday. Golf lovers can follow the action, including player updates from Augusta’s iconic holes.
Catch the final round of The Masters live from 3 PM, Sunday, on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.
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www.skysports.com