The haunting Masters meltdown that changed Rory McIlroy’s career

In April 2011, 21-year-old Rory McIlroy entered the final round of The Masters with a commanding four-shot lead, positioned to claim his first major title. However, a catastrophic meltdown on Augusta National's back nine erased his advantage. Starting with a bogey at the first hole, McIlroy's tee shot at the 10th ricocheted off a tree and settled between cabins, leading to a triple bogey. Two more bogeys followed, and his drive at the 13th found the water in Rae's Creek, culminating in an eight-over 80 for the round. He finished tied for 15th, 10 shots behind winner Charl Schwartzel. The meltdown became a defining moment, but McIlroy used it as motivation, winning the US Open just eight weeks later and going on to capture four majors, though the green jacket remains his only missing career grand slam piece.