Masters poll: What’s holding Rory McIlroy back at the Masters?

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland prepares to play a shot out of the flowers on the 13th hole during the third round of the 2018 Masters Tournament

Rory McIlroy is still in search of his first green jacket, but what's holding him back at Augusta? Our expert teachers weigh in.

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Over the years, GOLF has polled PGA Tour pros and our ultra-savvy readers about the quirks, extraordinary challenges and outright awesomeness of Augusta National. But when it comes to the Masters, there’s always more to learn. So, who better to school us than GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers in America? Their syllabus is below. Check back for more survey answers in the coming days!

What’s holding Rory back at the Masters?

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts to a putt on the 18th green during the second round of the 2023 Masters Tournament
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“Having the lowest score after Sunday! Just kidding. Rory seems to have the odd double or other miscue at some point early in the tournament. If he avoid the doubles or other mental errors, he can always be a force at Augusta.” —John Scott Rattan

“At this point, it’s mental. He has all the tools. Now he has to put less pressure on himself and play with freedom.” —Dale Abraham

“This means everything to Rory. Maybe too much.” — Mike Shannon

“What’s holding Rory back? Rory.” — Jim Murphy

“He wants it too much. He needs to try less and treat it as any other tournament.” — Jonathan Yarwood

“It isn’t just another golf tournament to him, he needs it to complete the grand slam. So it has taken on a bigger meaning. Therefore he is out of process and into results. Like Joe Maddon, the great baseball manager, said, when you focus on outcome you become fearful, but when you focus on process you become fearless.” — Kevin Weeks

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