US Masters 2011

[Bogball XV]

A lot of people seem to be very harsh on McIlroy.  Not too many people lead from day one until the end though, and he just fell short.  I look forward to seeing him progress over the next few years, going to be a great player.

I'd be worried about his putting/nerve. At a similar age Garcia was similarly rated and was only a matter of time before he got a major, many years later, he is still waiting and may have missed his chance. If

Be a massive test for McIlroy when he is in contention on final day of any tournement never mind a major, he'll win to win one soon to put the doubts to bed.

Garcia was probably better, he had won probably 5/6 tournaments by the age of 21, his putting has got worse and worse though and more so as the talk about it increases.  I don't think McIlroy is as bad a putter as Garcia yet, and even Garcia may not be as finished as everyone makes him out to be. 

I wouldn't be too worried about this performance affecting his long term prospects and I think he will win a few majors, not as many as the greats, as his putting will never be good enough.  But I'd expect him to take 4 or 5 possibly.  He'll certainly be in contention in a fair few, right now he's about 18/1 for the US Open, 16/1 for the British Open.

Virtually the same thing has now happened in 3 of the last 4 majors, Dustin Johnson in the US Open last year and Nick Watney in the USPGA last year.  Both led by 3 going into the last round and both shot in the 80's.  They've got over it and both were hotly fancied in the Masters, no reason that this is going to affect Rory.  A quick win on the euro tour would be good and there are a few events coming up that might present that opportunity.

Maybe even the payers in May?

[Hardy]

The ability to hit a ball straight and far with a stick is not much of a measure of a man. Possibly the only measures worth talking about are (1) his respect for others and (2) his conduct in adversity. McIlroy appears to have innate decency and, as Peter Alliss said, manners (an almost outdated concept, but still a good yardstick with which to judge a person). So an honours mark on measure 1.

As regards measure 2, if I'd been his father I'd have been distraught at the thought of what such a failure in his job could do to his self confidence, his happiness and his whole future - until I'd have seen his interview afterwards. Then I'd have been happy I raised a fine man with the right perspective on the world.

[Bingo]

The ability to hit a ball straight and far with a stick is not much of a measure of a man. Possibly the only measures worth talking about are (1) his respect for others and (2) his conduct in adversity. McIlroy appears to have innate decency and, as Peter Alliss said, manners (an almost outdated concept, but still a good yardstick with which to judge a person). So an honours mark on measure 1.

As regards measure 2, if I'd been his father I'd have been distraught at the thought of what such a failure in his job could do to his self confidence, his happiness and his whole future - until I'd have seen his interview afterwards. Then I'd have been happy I raised a fine man with the right perspective on the world.

Got to love his commentary, very witty and always on the ball with great wee stories thrown in for good measure. Also, as the yanks put up their "in the hole" etc roars just after the ball is hit, he'll always mutter something half under his breath like "on god" or "shut up"!

[Doogie Browser]

Was a great end to the Masters, so many in contention on the back 9.  Thank fcuk for the BBC coverage though as I was getting sick of that fat Doubtfire gimp.

[NAG1]

Just shows you with all the money Sky through at the coverage, both BBC2 and Five Live radio did a better job covering the tournament.

Peter Alliss is a legend

[Orior]

The colour of the Sky picture were better. But the fecking adverts meant I wouldnt watch it, and stuck to the BBC.

[Doogie Browser]

They dropped the annoying Ray Charles music at the ad breaks after the 2nd day also.

[thebigfella]

The colour of the Sky picture were better. But the fecking adverts meant I wouldnt watch it, and stuck to the BBC.

I have HD and both were exactly the same.

[laoislad]

The ability to hit a ball straight and far with a stick is not much of a measure of a man.

True. You really have to be able draw and fade it as well...

[Orior]

The ability to hit a ball straight and far with a stick is not much of a measure of a man.

True. You really have to be able draw and fade it as well...

And also do it when you mean to.

[Declan]

The ability to hit a ball straight and far with a stick is not much of a measure of a man. Possibly the only measures worth talking about are (1) his respect for others and (2) his conduct in adversity. McIlroy appears to have innate decency and, as Peter Alliss said, manners (an almost outdated concept, but still a good yardstick with which to judge a person). So an honours mark on measure 1.

As regards measure 2, if I'd been his father I'd have been distraught at the thought of what such a failure in his job could do to his self confidence, his happiness and his whole future - until I'd have seen his interview afterwards. Then I'd have been happy I raised a fine man with the right perspective on the world.

Just watched the interview and read a transcript as well of the press conference - Reflected very well on the young Rory. Fair play to him and best of luck in the next one.

[deiseach]

The ability to hit a ball straight and far with a stick is not much of a measure of a man.

That'll come as a relief to many generations of Waterford hurlers

[NAG1]

The ability to hit a ball straight and far with a stick is not much of a measure of a man.

That'll come as a relief to many generations of Waterford hurlers

How else are you going to measure a golfer?

[AZOffaly]

Ah lads, read Hardy's post.

[deiseach]

Ah lads, read Hardy's post.

I've read it and he's right. But where's the fun in agreeing with someone?