Masters 2021: Rory McIlroy says 2011 meltdown gave him a ‘goldfish memory’ for golfing disasters as he eyes fifth Major

RORY McILROY says his infamous US Masters meltdown left him with a “goldfish memory” when it comes to dealing with golfing knocks.

This is the tenth anniversary of the tournament where a 21-year-old McIlroy took a four-shot lead into the final round at Augusta, only to plunge into a share of 15th place after shooting a horrendous 80.

But the four-time Major winner insists that was a vital part of his golfing education — and his ability to put it behind him allowed him to win the US Open just three months later by a staggering eight shots.

The Masters remains the only big title McIlroy has not yet captured. But despite several more gut-wrenching near misses, he insists there is no scar tissue.

He commented: “Yeah, ten years since it all turned sour.

“It seems to have gone by so quick, but then I think about everything that’s happened in those ten years and there’s lots that’s been crammed in. If you think of where I was ten years ago, to where I am today, so much has changed.

“Not just to me as a golfer but more so as a person, with me being a husband and father now.

“And, honestly, I look back at what happened here in 2011, and that experience was absolutely crucial in helping me to win the next Major at Congressional so convincingly.

“Because Augusta was so fresh in my mind, what happened there told me how quickly a lead can disappear. But I used it as a positive.

“Even when I had an eight-shot lead, I kept telling myself you still have to keep pushing hard and try to make more birdies.

“What happened at Augusta hurt like hell at the time but I think it helped me in my career and the journey I’ve been on. It taught me to be more resilient.

“I’m big on taking the positives and moving on — and I think Congressional showed that.

“But I’m also very big on the fact that you need to be a bit of a goldfish in golf. You need to have a very short memory for the bad stuff.”

McIlroy says he was also fortunate so have plenty of shoulders to cry on as he came to terms with his collapse.

The Northern Irishman, 31, added: “I had a lot of great support.

“I was depicted as being this young pro alone in my agony, but it wasn’t just me. A lot of people reached out to me and gave me advice and my mum and dad were great at the time.

“I was lucky. You have to surround yourself with the right people and I was fortunate that I had exactly that. They helped me get back on my feet and get ready for the next one.”

When McIlroy reached another ten-year anniversary in 2017, completing a decade as a professional, he predicted the next ten years could be the most successful of his career.

It has not worked out like that. He has still not added to his Major haul since winning the 2014 USPGA — but he insists there will be plenty to celebrate in the coming years.

He added: “Actually, 2018 was a decent start to the second decade, with a win and finishing second at The Open.

“And in 2019, there were four wins, including The Players and the FedEx Cup. It was probably the most consistent season I’ve ever had.

“Last year was not so good and I’m still trying to come back from that. But it was a weird year for everyone, for multiple reasons.

“And I think the experience I’ve built up is definitely going to result in really great golf in these next few years.”