Rory's roaring: Northern Irishman seems destined for major breakthrough

Sports Commentary

It seems like it was only yesterday. Before all the tweeting pictures of a public figure became the headlines and even funnier punchlines. Before Tiger Woods announced he would miss his first U.S. Open since 1994.

It was right before Charl Schwartzel put on his first green jacket and celebrated his first-ever major championship at the Masters. The flash that became Rory McIlroy's run to the top of the leaderboard at the Masters this spring was the biggest buzz, well, since Tiger made his professional debut and crushed the field on the same course.

It seemed like golf fans found a new Tiger to cheer for. He had the game to back up all the talk off the course.

Then came his Masterful meltdown. McIlroy faded on the back nine on Sunday and finished with an 80, good enough for 15th place.