Colin Sheridan: Rory McIlroy craving release from his azalea-lined hell

It’s an open secret that McIlroy likes his caddies to just carry his bag, and not interfere with his game but a change of personality may challenge him to confront whatever mental wall he continually fails to scale

Rory McIlroy watches on the 18th green during the second round of the Masters at Augusta National. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

For most professional golfers, arriving at Augusta National is akin to a pilgrim seeing Jerusalem for the first time. The Green Jacket, Amen Corner, Raes Creek, the Butler Cabin, each one a monument of some grander vision dreamed up by its architect Bobby Jones nearly 90 years ago. Players speak of its majesty to a media who are just as in thrall to the place.

To those of us who’ve never been, some of what’s said can read like flagrant hyperbole — it is just a theatre that hosts a sporting event after all, not some alter to be worshipped at — but, by Sunday evening, we are left converted, convinced that this golf course and tournament possesses some higher power, an ability to deconstruct even the greatest talents, while bestowing redemption upon those humble enough to pay their penance.