A dejected Rory McIlroy walking up the 18th hole in the final round of the Masters. Courtesy of McClatchy-Tribune News Service.After just a week from a monumental meltdown that could even take a seasoned veteran's nerves months to recover from, Rory McIlroy was once again in contention.
The 21-year-old from Northern Ireland played in this past week's European PGA Tour's Malaysian Open, ultimately finishing third.
It was only eight days ago that McIlroy ventured into unknown territory on Augusta National's 10th hole, which resulted in a triple-bogey seven. He ended up posting a back nine 43 in his quest for the green jacket.
Fast-forward to this past week and McIlroy's worst round was his third-round 72.
McIlroy trailed 17-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero heading into the final round.
Manassero entered with a one-shot cushion over McIlroy and pushed it to three strokes after the Northern Irishman double bogeyed the par-4 12th hole.
Despite a couple late birdies, McIlroy fell short.
However, he still showcased the moxie and resolve to put himself into contention after such a devastating defeat in the Masters.
Bradenton resident Paul Azinger even tweeted about McIlroy during the Malaysian Open.
"Langers win wk aftr RC ws impressive,but win&lose as a team.Rory was alone last week. Proving this wk he wants the stage, MORE IMPR! GO RORY," Azinger tweeted.
What Zinger was talking about was the comparison between McIlroy and Bernhard Langer, who won the week after gift-wrapping the Ryder Cup to Team USA in 1991.
Manassero's victory is his second on the European Tour, coming just a couple days before his 18th birthday.
He earned himself exemptions into the remaining major championships and a spot in the top 40 of the Official World Golf Rankings.
Adding in the Masters performances from Charl Schwartzel and Jason Day, and the youth movement is in full swing.
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