Breaking down the flaws delaying Rory’s Slam

Rory McIlroy entered the final round of the US Masters on Sunday as the overwhelming favourite to win his fifth major. Had he done so, he would have become the first European to win a Grand Slam of major championships, writes John McHenry.

Throughout the previous three days of tough, attritional golf, McIlroy and the leader Patrick Reed had skillfully separated themselves from their closest rivals.

The title was now theirs to win or lose and despite trailing the majorless Reed by three shots, McIlroy’s form and pedigree meant that he started out the final day as the clear favourite.