McIlroy's Masters' dream fades as impressive Reed scoops first major
Holywood star vows to eventually win career grand slam
It was another case of so near yet so far for Rory McIlroy after his Masters’ dream collapsed in Augusta late last night.
The World Number Seven was well in contention to win his first Green Jacket at the beginning of the final round.
But his challenge soon fizzled out and he finished in a tie for fifth on nine under.
Winner Patrick Reed said he was relieved to win his first title, particularly with the momentum looking to be with McIlroy.
The American said: “I walked up to the first tee and had a really welcoming cheer from the fans, but then when Rory walked up to the tee his cheer was a little louder,'' Reed said.
“But that's another thing that just kind of played into my hand. Not only did it fuel my fire a little bit, but also, it just takes the pressure off of me and adds it back to him.
“For me trying to win my first major, for him trying to win the career grand slam, it's (about) who is going to handle the pressure and who is going to have more pressure on them.”
McIlroy still believes he will eventually win the Masters title he needs to complete the career grand slam
“I played probably some of the best golf I've ever played here, it just wasn't meant to be,'' McIlroy said. Of course it's frustrating and it's hard to take any positives from it right now, but at least I put myself in a position, that's all I've wanted to do.
"For the last four years I've had top 10s but I haven't been close enough to the lead. Today I got myself there, I didn't quite do enough but I'll still come back next year and try again.
"I think 100% I can come back and win here. I've played in two final groups in the last seven years, I've had five top 10s, I play this golf course well. I just haven't played it well enough at the right times.
"The putter let me down a little bit, I just wasn't quite as trusting as I was the first few days and that made a big difference. I was trying to hit good shots and good putts and anytime I felt like I hit a good shot I got myself on the wrong side of the pin or gave myself a tricky one down the hill.
"Then when I did get some chances I didn't take advantage of them. It was a tough day and hopefully I'll be better next time.
"It was like every time I took a step forward I took a step back on the next hole. I had a chance to maybe put a bit more pressure on him than I did and I'd say three and five are the ones that I'd look back on and if I could have made pars there it could have been a different story."