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Pinehurst Today
By the People, for the People
Rory McIlroy's Epic Major Collapses
The golf legend's history of squandering big leads at the Masters, British Open, and U.S. Open
Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:29am
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Rory McIlroy's history of major championship collapses is captured in a Cubist-inspired deconstruction of the intense pressure and focus of elite golf.Pinehurst TodayRory McIlroy, one of golf's all-time greats with 5 major championship wins, has a history of epic collapses at the sport's biggest events. From blowing a 4-shot lead on Sunday at the 2011 Masters to recent stumbles at the 2022 British Open and 2024 U.S. Open, McIlroy has struggled to close out major titles when holding substantial advantages. And as of this writing, he may be adding another collapse to the list after squandering a 6-shot lead at the 2026 Masters.
Why it matters
McIlroy's inability to close out majors when holding big leads has become a defining narrative in his otherwise illustrious career. These high-profile meltdowns have prevented him from achieving the career grand slam and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation who has fallen short in key moments.
The details
In 2011, McIlroy entered the final round of the Masters with a 4-shot lead, but a disastrous triple-bogey on the 10th hole sparked a collapse that saw him card an 80 and finish T15. In 2022, he shared the 54-hole lead at the British Open's 150th edition, only to lose his advantage on the back nine and finish 3rd. And in 2024, McIlroy held a 1-shot lead with 4 holes to play at the U.S. Open, but a series of missed short putts led to late bogeys and a Bryson DeChambeau victory.
- In 2011, McIlroy entered the final round of the Masters with a 4-shot lead.
- In 2022, McIlroy shared the 54-hole lead at the 150th British Open.
- In 2024, McIlroy held a 1-shot lead with 4 holes to play at the U.S. Open.
The players
Rory McIlroy
A 5-time major champion and one of the greatest golfers of his generation, known for his ability to dominate tournaments but also for his history of high-profile collapses when holding big leads at major championships.
Bryson DeChambeau
The 2024 U.S. Open champion, who capitalized on McIlroy's late stumbles to claim the title.
What they’re saying
“Rory's ability to close out majors when he has the lead has always been his Achilles' heel. These collapses have really defined his career in a lot of ways.”
— Johnny Miller, Golf Analyst
“You have to feel for Rory. He's such a talented player, but these meltdowns have really haunted him over the years. It's got to be so frustrating.”
— Brandel Chamblee, Golf Analyst
What’s next
All eyes will be on Rory McIlroy at the 2027 Masters, where he'll have another chance to complete the career grand slam and potentially exorcise the demons of his past major collapses.
The takeaway
Rory McIlroy's inability to close out major championships when holding substantial leads has become a defining part of his legacy. These high-profile meltdowns have prevented him from achieving the career grand slam and cement his status as one of the greatest players of his generation who has fallen short in key moments.
