MASTERS winner Patrick Reed claimed that Rory McIlroy’s Grand Slam bid blew up as he failed to handle the pressure.
The Northern Irishman was tipped to win his first Green Jacket despite trailing Reed by three shots heading into Sunday’s final round.
But four-time Major champ McIlroy carded a two-over-par 74 to slip into a share of fifth place.
Reed said: “I walked up to the first tee and had a really welcoming cheer.
But when Rory walked up, his cheer was a little louder.
“Not only did it fuel my fire but it also took the pressure off me and added it back to him.
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“And the more chatter you have in your ear about expectations and everything, the harder it is to play.”
McIlroy, 28, said his latest Augusta flop will not stop him becoming the sixth golfer to complete the Grand Slam.
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He said: “I played some of the best golf I’ve played here, it just wasn’t meant to be.
“But 100 per cent I can win here.”
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