Inquest begins into Rory collapse

THE role of caddie JP Fitzgerald during Rory McIlroy’s final round Masters meltdown is set to form an integral part of the inquest into the collapse of the 21-year-old on Sunday night.

Much of the focus will settle on the Dublin native who was at McIlroy’s side for the triumphs at the Quail Hollow Championship and the Ryder Cup along with the collapses at the Open Championship at St Andrews last July and now at Augusta National.

The man on the bag has a crucial role to play when trouble threatens. Many have been blamed for failing to keep their man cool in a crisis or to offer timely advice on club selection and general course management.

Now it looks that Fitzgerald, who reached the final of two Irish Close Championships before caddying for some of the game’s finest such as Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke and Ernie Els, will be under the spotlight.

We may never know whether he tried to talk Rory out of playing a driver off the 10th tee when most others settled for a three wood. Yet he could hardly have prevented the monstrous duck hook that led to a triple bogey seven and certainly not the four putts from around 20 feet on the 12th. McIlroy and Fitzgerald appeared the ideal partnership prior to Sunday — it now remains to be seen whether that remains the case.

To his credit, McIlroy set the right tone in the aftermath by declaring: “It will take time to get over it but I will do so and I will be stronger for this.”

People are already recalling the career path of Sergio Garcia. At 19 he chased Tiger Woods to the line before failing by a shot in the 1999 US PGA Championship but he remains without a major title at the age of 31.

Does that fate await McIlroy? Sceptics should note the manner in which he handled himself after another serious collapse, in last year’s Open Championship. He was superb compiling a nine under par, major championship equalling 63 in the first round at St Andrews. But in foul conditions he slumped to an 80. However, instead of slinking away and refusing to face the media, he gave wonderfully candid and honest responses to some very searching questions.

ACCEPTING that he hadn’t fought against the elements as hard as he should have, Rory promised better things to come over the weekend. He shot 69, 68 for share of 3rd, albeit eight strokes behind the winner Louis Oosthuizen.

On that occasion, of course, he had an immediate opportunity to rectify the situation. This time he must wait until Thursday and the opening round of the Maybank Malaysian Open. As he departed Augusta yesterday — ironically with new Masters champion Charl Schwartzel — hopefully having a tournament to occupy his mind will help the rehabilitation process.

He was correct when stating that he has plenty of support to help him on the way. Parents Gerry and Rosie will ensure he has all the love and understanding that everybody, young and old, needs when life deals such a harsh blow. Fellow players and close friends like Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell, will offer reassuring and encouraging words and his management team at ISM led by Andrew “Chubby” Chandler will protect him.

Chandler was bitterly disappointed for McIlroy but the pain was eased by the fact that Schwartzel is also on the ISM books. Chandler certainly seems to have the Midas touch given that Louis Oosthuizen, another “stable” member, captured last year’s Open Championship against expectations.

Martin Kaymer retains the world number one spot despite missing the cut in Augusta. He plays in Malaysia this week along with Oosthuizen, who also departed the Masters on Friday, McIlroy (9th in the rankings) and Schwartzel who has jumped from 29th to 11th after his triumph. The other Irish in the field are Darren Clarke, Peter Lawrie, Gareth Maybin and Michael Hoey. Pádraig Harrington, out to 36th in the world, has treatment on his neck injury before playing the China Open on April 21. The Texas Open is the US Tour event and includes Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy and Angel Cabrera.