McIlroy puts on positive spin

RORY McILROY was being told something he already believed: That he will bounce back and bounce back stronger for his 2011 Masters experience.

After a final-round 80, including a back nine of 43 at Augusta National, that saw his four-shot 54-hole lead and hopes of a first major evaporate, many golfers would be inconsolable.

His fellow players quickly rallied round, offering encouragement; the tweets and messages of support from fans poured in, and newly-crowned champion Charl Schwartzel backed him to rebound and win majors.