Sat Apr 12 18:30:00 UTC 2025: ## McIlroy’s Masters Meltdown Blamed on Slow Play
**Augusta, GA** – Rory McIlroy’s Masters Tournament took a dramatic turn Thursday, as a late-round collapse saw him plummet down the leaderboard. After a promising start, McIlroy carded two double-bogeys on holes 15 and 17, ultimately finishing the day with an even-par 72, seven strokes behind leader Justin Rose.
TV analyst Paul McGinley attributed McIlroy’s downfall to a loss of concentration caused by slow play from his playing partner, Akshay Bhatia. McGinley, speaking on Sky Sports, noted that Bhatia’s lengthy shot on the 15th, after landing in the water, significantly disrupted McIlroy’s rhythm. The delay, compounded by waiting for other players, resulted in a five-minute wait for McIlroy to play his shot.
While McGinley clarified that he doesn’t blame Bhatia for McIlroy’s double-bogey, he emphasized that great champions maintain focus regardless of external distractions. He suggested that the disruption on 15 contributed to McIlroy’s subsequent struggles on 17.
In contrast to McIlroy’s disappointing round, Bhatia recovered from his own water hazard on 15, finishing the day with a commendable 70 after a three-birdie streak. McIlroy will look to rebound during Friday’s second round.
First Piper 