Rory McIlroy vowed to keep trying to win the Masters and complete a career grand slam after a thrilling runners-up finish at Augusta National.
McIlroy holed out from a bunker on the 18th to complete a closing 64 of six birdies and an eagle, equalling the lowest final round in tournament history.
The 32-year-old finished three shots behind world number one Scottie Scheffler, who four-putted the 18th in an otherwise brilliant performance to claim his first major title with a fourth win in his last six starts.
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“It’s what you dream about, right? You dream about getting yourself in position,” McIlroy said after his wild celebrations on the 18th green with playing partner Collin Morikawa, who also holed out from the same bunker.
“I wasn’t quite close enough to the lead (but) to play as well as I did and then to finish like this, I mean, it’s just absolutely incredible.
“This tournament never ceases to amaze and that’s as happy as I’ve ever been on a golf course right there.
"That was an incredible. I’ve never heard roars like on the 18th green. It was really cool.
“I gave it a great go and I can’t ask any more of myself. I went out there today, shot my best ever score at Augusta and it’s going to be my best finish ever.
“Probably not quite good enough, but I’ll come back next year and keep trying.”
World number one Scheffler revealed he “cried like a baby” ahead of the final round of the Masters after claiming his first major title.
Scheffler held a three-shot lead after 54 holes and carded a closing 71 at Augusta National to finish 10 under par, three shots clear of McIlroy, despite four-putting the 72nd hole.
“I was so overwhelmed and didn’t know I was ready for this,” Scheffler said. “I cried like a baby this morning.
“I’ve dreamed of having a chance to play in this tournament, I teared up when I got my first invite in the mail. I love this place and if you’re going to choose a tournament to win it would be this.
“I don’t know what to say to be honest, I’m just really thankful to be in this position. I don’t think anything has sunk in. My head is still spinning.”
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