McIlroy: I’ve learnt my lesson

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  • April 2, 2015

Rory McIlroy revealed that he learned valuable lessons from throwing away his lead at the 2011 Masters.

The Northern Irishman had a four stroke lead on the final day at Augusta four years ago, but ultimately capitulated to card an eight over 80, settling for a tied for 15th.

Nevertheless, the world number one believes it was a vital lesson to learn

“If I had not had the whole unravelling, if I had just made a couple of bogeys coming down the stretch and lost by one, I would not have learned as much,” revealed the 25-year-old on BBC Sport.

“I learned so much about myself and what I needed to do the next time I got into that position. Luckily, it did not take me long to get into a position like that again when I was leading a major and I was able to get over the line quite comfortably.

“It was a huge learning curve for me and I needed it, and thankfully I have been able to move on to bigger and better things.

“Looking back on what happened in 2011, it doesn’t seem as bad when you have four majors on your mantelpiece.”

McIlroy is looking to become just the sixth golfer in history to earn a career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

A Masters title is the final piece of the puzzle for the superstar.

“If I was to look back as a 60-year-old at my career and had not won a green jacket I would be very disappointed,” he added.

“It is the only one left and it is a course I feel I can do well at. I feel I could win multiple times, but getting that first one is the most important thing. Winning all four majors means you are a complete player. I can achieve something special.”

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