Now comfortable being vulnerable, Rory McIlroy's latest quest for elusive Masters glory begins

McIlroy’s handling of his career setbacks has helped him develop resilience to keep putting himself out there again and again.

CHASING THE GREEN JACKET: Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, walks with caddie Harry Diamond on the fifth hole during a practice round at the Masters. Pic: Ashley Landis/AP

Ernie Els once said that “Augusta doesn’t owe anybody anything,” and it demonstrated that – sometimes cruelly – in his 23 unrequited efforts at the Masters. 

Other golf greats seemingly destined to win green jackets were forever turned away at the door to the Champions’ Dinner – Tom Weiskopf, Greg Norman, Tom Kite, Davis Love III and David Duval, to name just a few.