Apprentice needs time to become a Master

THERE is no day in tournament golf quite like the Sunday of the Masters.

For three long days the players, much like gladiators of old, have performed in a hostile arena. Many have been mortally wounded and eliminated.

For those lucky enough still to be in contention, there is a buzz of anticipation.

To the winner on this last day will go the spoils, the famous green jacket.

His name will be forever documented among the greats of the game.

Most of the losers are quickly forgotten but unfortunately for Rory McIlroy, he won’t even be allowed that ignominy.

He was the only real story of the week. Although tipped as high as third favourite by some of the bookies, few experts felt he had the necessary patience and the short game skills so vital for victory at Augusta.

His fantastic play over the first three days would ultimately counted for little. A harsh but true reality.

But Rory is currently a member of a select club of very young and talented professionals playing a power game at a standard few can match.

He may still be raw in terms of wins and consistency, especially in major championships, but few will argue (much like Nicklaus and Woods in the past) that he doesn’t have the talent to move his game on to another level altogether.

As an athlete, he has made his profession a science. He fully understand the capabilities of his body in terms of fitness regimes. His diet matches his days whether on or off the course.

He religiously trained his mind to understand the pressures of competition, how to excel in a competitive arena and most importantly, through the use of cameras, how to use technology and equipment to matches his body type.

If that is not enough, he is also a great student of the game analysing his strength in order to modify his game to stay on top.

Yesterday, with all that in his back pocket, Rory entered the arena for his final day at this year’s Masters as a leader.

In order to win he would have to compete and beat some of the game’s greatest names. He would have to stay in the present. Stay patient. Stay calm.

Up to yesterday, everything looked easy. He was demonstrating a remarkable standard of course management and maturity that belied his tender age of 21. All his training would have got him ready for this final day but nothing fully prepared him.

As he stuttered over the holes until he reached that disastrous tenth he heard the roars as Woods and Schwartzel scored.

The pressure ultimately told. But don’t forget he’s just a kid. That loss and vital lessons learned are crucial.

Unlike Greg Norman he is young enough to cope with it. His confidence from the week will help him in the future.

There are so many positives about his display this week that will be overlooked. Only nine players have ever managed to retain a Masters lead from ticket to tape. It’s hardly a surprise that at such a tender age he wasn’t going to be the tenth.

One thing is for sure though. McIlroy is being looked at in a new light now. He will have the trials and tribulations that accompany a Masters collapse but don’t be afraid.

Rory will be back.