Alan Shipnuck

But his strokes gain Tita Green.

Usually when he wins, he's number one or two.

It's going to be significantly lower than that.

And it was really a monument to what a complete, polished player he's become.

Well, and I think he fed off that, you know, I've been saying, oh, I think Jon Rahm is going to win this Masters.

But once observing Rory around Augusta, he was just so jaunty and so carefree.

And he was having such a grand time defending champion.

He went to the drive chip and putt.

He went to the women's amateur.

He played golf with his dad on the Sunday before.

Of course, he hosted the dinner on Tuesday night.

Like no one's ever had more fun being the defending champion than Rory McIlroy did this week.

And I think that carried him those first few rounds.

I thought Saturday he looked a little flat, a little drained.

Tired.

He was tired on Saturday.

He was tired.

And it showed in his play and showed in his mannerisms.

And I think that almost carried over to the beginning of this round.

But once he got... It was like once things got down to the nut-cutting time, it was... He just... He perked up.