Monday 9 April 2018 14:57, UK
Former world No 1 David Duval believes Rory McIlroy will complete the career grand slam, but fears his latest bout of Masters misery will be tough to take.
McIlroy began the final round three shots off the lead and closed to within a shot of eventual winner Patrick Reed after two holes, but faded badly with a closing 74 at Augusta National.
And although it was not the collapse of 2011, when he enjoyed a four-shot lead after 54 holes before crashing to a closing 80, the Northern Irishman has now failed to convert his first four chances to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in winning all four majors.
"I was surprised and I expected a lot more from Rory," said Duval.
"It goes to show that nobody is exempt from the pressures and the crunch of trying to win major championships, let alone complete the career grand slam.
"This is going to be a tough one for Rory to handle and it's going to keep stacking on as the years go by as he doesn't win the Masters, and there is no one to say he will for sure.
"We all believe Rory will win the grand slam and I believe he can play this golf course, and I believe he will one day win on this golf course, but it doesn't mean he will."
