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

The text appears to be an article about Rory McIlroy's career and his quest for the Masters title. Here are some key points:

**McIlroy's 2011 Masters collapse**: The article recalls McIlroy's disastrous performance at the 2011 Masters, where he led with nine holes to go but unraveled, ultimately finishing in a tie for fourth place.

**The significance of the 2011 Masters**: McIlroy has said that his collapse at Augusta National was a defining moment in his career. He believes it taught him valuable lessons about how to handle pressure and overcome adversity.

**McIlroy's subsequent success**: The article highlights McIlroy's impressive recovery from his 2011 collapse, including his victories at the US Open (2014) and PGA Championship (2012).

**The missing piece: a Masters title**: Despite seven top-10 finishes in his past 10 Masters outings, McIlroy has yet to win the Masters. The article notes that he has come close, but not quite reached the pinnacle of success.

**McIlroy's determination and experience**: At 33 years old, time is still on McIlroy's side, and he remains determined to win the Masters title. His experience from his previous collapses has likely made him more resilient and better equipped to handle pressure at Augusta National.

Overall, the article presents a nuanced view of McIlroy's career, highlighting both his impressive successes and his ongoing quest for the elusive Masters title.

he's so close! I mean, seven top-10 finishes in 10 tries is insane. And to think he's still got that fire burning within him at 33. I love how he's not giving up on his dream, even though it seems like everyone else thinks he'll never get it. His experience from past collapses has only made him stronger, you know? It's a testament to his mental toughness and determination. I'm rooting for him all the way!

omg did u know that rory mcilroy almost blew it big time in 2011 at masters? he was leading by 2 strokes w/ 9 holes to go but then just kinda fell apart lol now he's all about handling pressure and overcoming adversity tho i think he'll get that masters title sooner or later [link to ESPN article](https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/33114722/rory-mcilroy-what-happened-2011-masters-disaster)

I think Rory McIlroy is like, super close to getting that Masters title ... I mean, seven top-10 finishes in 10 years is no joke ! He's been through the struggles and come out on top (or at least, not too far behind ) a few times. And let's be real, he's still got it - his game's solid, and he's always pushing himself to be better. Plus, 33 is like, barely old for pro golfers ... so I'm kinda rooting for him right now

I don't think it's a big deal that Rory McIlroy hasn't won the Masters yet . I mean, he's still only 33, which is pretty young in golfing terms, right? He's had some amazing wins at other majors and has been so close to winning the Masters multiple times. You'd think he'd get it next year! But seriously, his experience from past collapses must be helping him stay focused and calm under pressure. Maybe it's just a matter of time before he breaks through and gets that first Masters win

I think Rory McIlroy's 2011 Masters collapse was actually a blessing in disguise... well, not exactly . It forced him to re-evaluate his game and develop the mental toughness that has served him so well in the years since. Plus, it showed us that even the best players can have off days (or weeks). And let's be real, it's still crazy he's never won the Masters . 33 is getting on a bit for golfers these days, so I hope Rory can finally break through before his next big milestone passes him by!

McIlroy's story is like that one friend who just can't seem to get over that one bad day, you know? Like, 2011 was a major bummer, but it seems like he's finally turning things around. His mental game has always been super strong, and I think he's the kind of guy who'll be fine regardless of what happens at Augusta National - he just needs to stay calm and collect his thoughts, you feel?

I think Rory McIlroy's 2011 collapse was like a wake-up call for him ... it made him realize that he needs to work on his mental game if he wants to win big tournaments. And you know what? I think he's done just that . He's had some amazing successes since then, and now he's getting closer to winning the Masters title than ever before . It's like he's finally figured out how to put all the pieces together... and it's been a wild ride watching him try!

I'm gonna say it first , Rory McIlroy needs to just relax and enjoy the game, you know? He's had some epic meltdowns in the past, but he's always bounced back stronger. The guy's 33 now, so I'm not sure how much more pressure he can handle . Still, it'd be awesome if he finally takes that Masters title home – all his hard work and dedication would pay off .

you know how we're always chasing that next level of success? like mcilroy's been so close but still can't quite grasp the masters title ...it makes me think about what it means to fail, not just in golf but in life too. is it not failure when we learn from our mistakes and come back stronger? or does it mean we're still missing something fundamental about ourselves that's holding us back?

still can't believe he's been so close but has that one big win ... think its time for him to finally take that green jacket home

You know, I think this story about Rory McIlroy is like life itself - we all have these moments where we shine so bright, but then things take a turn and we stumble. It's how we respond to those setbacks that really matters.

I mean, McIlroy had this huge lead at the Masters, but he just couldn't close it out. But instead of giving up, he used that failure as a learning experience. And look where he is now - still chasing greatness, but wiser and more resilient because of his past mistakes.

It's like, we can all be like Rory McIlroy sometimes. We'll be on top of the world, feeling invincible, but then life will throw us a curveball and we'll struggle to get back up. But it's how we pick ourselves up that defines us. So, let this story be a reminder to always learn from our mistakes, and never give up on our dreams - no matter what!

I was just thinking about my favorite coffee shop downtown... you know how they always have that one guy who orders the same drink every day? It's like he's in a coffee-induced coma or something lol I swear, I need to try their new cold brew flavor... has anyone tried it? I heard it's actually really good! Anyway, back to Rory McIlroy... what's up with Augusta National being so intimidating for him? Like, I get that it's a tough course and all, but can't he just relax and enjoy the view of the azaleas or something?

Man, can you believe how far Rory McIlroy has come? I mean, remember when he almost threw away that 2011 Masters lead ? It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion – you knew it wasn't going to end well! But seriously, that collapse taught him a lot and made him way stronger for the long haul. He's had some amazing wins since then, but you can still see the fire burning inside of him to finally win at Augusta . I feel bad for him, man... he's been so close, yet so far. But at 33, he's still got this! Maybe next year will be his year

OMG, I'm like totally fascinated by Rory McIlroy's story ! I mean, can you even imagine being so close to winning something but then completely falling apart ? It's like, what went through his mind during those last 9 holes of the 2011 Masters? Did he just freeze up or was it something else entirely? And now he's all like "oh, I learned from that experience and I'm gonna get my Masters title" ... but still, it's like, come on Rory, when are you gonna do it?! I'm rooting for him, though! He seems like such a cool cat . Do you think he'll finally break through in 2025?

I think Rory McIlroy's journey is super relatable . We've all been in situations where we're on top of our game, but then just freeze up . I mean, who hasn't felt that pressure to perform? It's crazy how he was able to take the lessons from his 2011 Masters collapse and turn them into a winning formula . And yeah, it's frustrating when you come close to achieving something, only to fall short . But at least McIlroy has shown us that it's never too late to try again (at 33, he's still got this ). It's like, the more we fail, the wiser we become , right?

idk why mcilroy still can't win the masters lol i mean he's had some close calls but 10+ yrs and nothin? that's crazy considering all the other great golfers have won it multiple times . plus, if a collapse in 2011 is supposed to teach him about pressure & adversity, why hasn't it helped him yet? still got 5 yrs before he's old lol

come on Rory dude u r like 10 yrs past ur prime lol u had that 1 bad round @ the masters n u've been tryin 2 make up 4 it ever since 2011 was a fluke he led w/ 9 holes 2 go & still managed 2 blow it now he's all old n out 7 top10s in 10 yrs rnt impressin atm u got 2 step ur game up or get left behind

I've been thinking about this... what if Rory's 2011 Masters collapse was more than just a mental block? What if it was a deliberate test to see how he'd cope with pressure? I mean, think about it, all that hype before the tournament and then suddenly he just... freezes. It's too perfect, you know? And don't even get me started on those seven top-10 finishes in the past 10 Masters outings... what if he's been playing a longer game than we think?

Man, it's like Rory McIlroy is cursed or something I mean, he's had so many chances to win that big Masters title but always seems to choke at the worst times. And now he's 33 and still can't get it done? That's just cruel . He's been close so many times, but that one win eludes him. It's like the universe is playing a sick joke on him . I don't know how much more of this we're gonna see from him... maybe he'll finally break through and prove me wrong?