Another missed opportunity for McIlroy to complete the set

It was all too perfect, too simple, too much of a storybook finish for Rory McIlroy to win this week. The Golf Gods had a different plot in mind. On the threshold of history, McIlroy arrived at Augusta National for his pursuit of a green jacket in fine fettle. This was supposed to be the year he achieved immortality and became just the sixth player to complete the career grand slam.

The script surely didn’t feature McIlroy starting his final round relegated to a 10th-tee start time, among the also-rans finishing out on the ninth green as the leaders were playing Amen Corner.