AUGUSTA, Ga. — It’s not yet completely official. Rory McIlroy still has one more round to play before the end of this year’s Masters.
But the chances of winning his first Masters and completing the career Grand Slam are all but dead.
McIlroy, who’s trying to become the sixth player in history to win the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship, will be 0-for-10 in his bid by the end of the day Sunday, barring a miracle.
McIlroy, after shooting a 1-under 71 in Saturday’s third round at Augusta National, is 3-over for the tournament and is 10 shots off Scottie Scheffler’s lead.
So, at least until Jordan Spieth goes for his first PGA Championship victory to complete his Grand Slam bid, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, Gary Player and Tiger Woods will remain the only five to have accomplished the elusive feat.
“All I can do is come here and try my best,’’ McIlroy said. “That’s what I do every time I show up. Some years it’s better than others. I’ve just got to keep showing up and try to do the right thing.’’
Asked how much of a “test of patience’’ the Masters is, McIlroy said, “A lot. But it’s this tournament and this golf course and especially these conditions. That’s all you can be. You can’t really do anything else. You’ve got to try to have as much acceptance as possible and try to keep hitting good shots and move on.’’
Much like in his most recent Masters, McIlroy simply hasn’t been able to generate any momentum.
After McIlroy posted a modest 71 in the first round, his 5-over 77 in the second round derailed his chances.
“It was hard to get any momentum [Friday] just because of the conditions,’’ McIlroy said of the gusting winds. “I made three birdies today compared to zero yesterday. So, nice to see some red numbers on the card. It was a little better.’’
Asked what his final-round goal will be Sunday now that the Grand Slam dream has been dashed for another year, barring a miracle, McIlroy said, “Just go out and finish on a positive note. Shoot a good round of golf and move on to Hilton Head next week in a good frame of mind, I guess.’’
