Mcllroy facing 'long way back'

RORY MCILROY is facing criticism for not living up to the standards of ‘a great champion’ after his recent Masters collapse, putting his dream of a career Grand Slam in jeopardy.

- BY NEIL McLEMAN

Ranked second globally, McIlroy had a strong start and was sitting at four-under par through 14 holes. However, his round took a turn for the worse with two double bogeys in the space of three holes, leaving him with a level-par 72 and seven shots adrift of leader Justin Rose after day one.

The trouble peaked on the 15th hole when McIlroy’s approach shot flew over the green, and his chip then disastrously rolled into the water, resulting in a painful seven.

Analyst Paul McGinley didn’t hold back in his critique of his fellow Irishman, suggesting McIlroy lost focus before making the disastrous third stroke.

McIlroy had to wait while playing partner Akshay Bhatia took an extended period to deal with his own shot that ended up in the water.