McIlroy reminds us how special a golfer he can be

AUGUSTA, Ga. — His name went from nowhere to high on the leader board, but not high enough. Everybody knew Rory McIlroy wasn’t going to win this Masters.

But at least they knew him.

Knew of his brilliance as a virtual kid. Knew of his four major championships. Knew of that collapse in another Masters that even now, more than a decade later, seems to identify Rory more than his victories.

On a Sunday when the weather reminded us of the beauty of springtime, McIlroy reminded us of how special a golfer he can be.

The 2022 Masters was destined on Saturday to be won by Scottie Scheffler, who was miles ahead heading into the final round, and a few hours later that’s what happened, Scheffler shooting a 1-under-par 71 for 278.

What we never guessed was McIlroy, who has won a U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship — all but the precious Masters, and that’s what stings — would come up with the week’s best, an 8-under-par 64.

That placed him at 281, which left him three behind Scheffler, who McIlroy called the best golfer in the world — after four wins over the last two and a half months, it’s hard to disagree — and also left Rory in a great mood.

McIlroy, now 32, was touted as the next Tiger Woods, and even though we know there’s never going to be a next Tiger Woods, whether it’s McIlroy or Scheffler or anybody ever, there was a bit of a link this Masters, Woods reminding us of his fighting spirit and Rory reminding us of his potential.

And because we dwell on the failure that has stained his career until now. It will until he does win a Masters.

Which with his skill and at his age is quite likely.

“I’ve had the lead on the back nine here and couldn’t get it done,” said McIlroy.

Indeed. It was 2011. McIlroy was blowing them away the first three days. He constructed a four-stroke lead. Then it was as if he never played the game before.

On the 10th tee, that fourth-round McIlroy’s drive was so awful it hit one of the little cottages — they’re known here as cabins — and sent fans ducking and his game into oblivion. An 8-over-par 80 left him in a tie for 15th, and left the skeptics ruminating: Would he ever recover?

He did win the Open that summer. He’s still not won a Masters to complete the career grand slam.

He needs to play as he did Sunday.

“I think it’s being a little more aggressive,’’ he said, “but especially Thursday in this golf tournament is not the day to be super aggressive. It’s a day to just hang in there.”

He hung in, and then with 18 holes to go, he attacked. Birdies and an eagle and a rush towards the top. But not to the top.

He was the longest driver in the tournament, averaging 320 yards. He’s never been the best putter, however, and even though he also led in greens in regulation, you’ve got to get the ball into the cup.

“I’ve always known that I can do it,” said McIlroy about playing well in the Masters.

“I love playing good enough around here. I just haven’t strung four rounds together like that, but I’ve always known I have the game to win at this place.”

He just needs to prove it.