Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy has promised himself not to fall apart after a horrendous Masters experience when he threw away a four-shot lead in the final round.

27 minutes into the final round at Augusta, the 21-year-old dropped six shots in three holes, finally managing a humiliating 80, allowing the pursuers close on his heels to catch up. Eventually, it was the South African Charl Schwartzel who won the Green Jacket.

Afterwards, one of the most promising golfers of the coming generation managed to hold himself together as he chose to look at the positives.

I was still one shot ahead going into the 10th and then things went all pear-shaped after that, he said. I'll get over it. I'll have plenty more chances - I know that.

I don't think I can put it down to anything else than part of the learning curve. Hopefully if I can get myself back into this position pretty soon I will handle it a little bit better. It will be pretty tough for me for the next few days, but I will get over it - I will be fine.

There are a lot worse things that can happen in your life. Shooting a bad score in the last round of a golf tournament is nothing in comparison to what other people go through. Getting applauded up onto the greens, I was almost a little embarrassed at some points. But the support I had here was fantastic and I really appreciate it.

I can't really put my finger on what went wrong. I lost a lot of confidence with my putting, but I just hit a poor tee shot on 10 and sort of unraveled from there. I'll have plenty more chances I know and hopefully it will build a bit of character in me as well.

Later, on his Twitter account, he tweeted, Well that wasn't the plan! Found it tough going today, but you have to lose before you can win. This day will make me stronger in the end.

Oh and congratulations Charl Schwartzel!! Great player and even better guy! Very happy for him and his family!

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Tiger Woods 2011 Masters Charl Schwartzel Tiger Woods