Norman empathises with Rory’s plight

GREG NORMAN has said he knows what Rory McIlroy must have gone through as his Masters dream was crushed with a closing 80 at Augusta.

“I knew exactly how he felt — I’ve experienced it,” the Australian said.

In 1996 Norman led by six, shot 78 and lost by five to Nick Faldo. McIlroy went from four in front to 10 behind in a terrible back nine that included a triple bogey seven at 10, a bogey at 11, double bogey at 12 and another dropped shot on 15.