Rory McIlroy's hopes of completing a career Grand Slam at the Masters are hanging by a thread after a disastrous finish to his opening round.
The world No.2 had made an impressive start, playing the first 14 holes in four-under par.
But his round unravelled with two late double bogeys, leaving him with a level-par 72.
McIlroy now sits seven shots behind first-round leader Justin Rose, with the Briton's round falling apart at the 15th hole when his second shot flew over the green.
Rory McIlroy's hopes of completing a career Grand Slam at the Masters are hanging by a thread after a disastrous finish to his opening round
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He then made a critical error, chipping back across the putting surface into the water.
This costly mistake led to a horrible seven on the par-5 hole.
The Ulsterman's concentration appeared to waver during a lengthy delay before playing the fateful shot.
Golf Channel analyst Paul McGinley criticised his McIlroy for losing focus during the delay, insisting he 'got distracted'.
"He got distracted," said the former Ryder Cup captain. "It took him a long time to play that pitch shot."
Rory McIlroy has been accused of 'getting distracted' following his difficult start at the Masters
REUTERS
McGinley explained that McIlroy had to wait about five minutes due to his playing partner's actions and other delays.
"That is what great champions don't do," McGinley added, suggesting the concentration lapse was unworthy of a player of McIlroy's calibre.
The problems continued at the 17th hole where McIlroy recorded another double bogey.
He chipped 28 feet past the pin and then missed a six-foot bogey putt.
Following his disappointing finish, McIlroy declined to speak to the media. Instead, he headed straight to the practice range to work on his game.
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"No-one will be beating himself up more than him," McGinley observed. "It has got to be gut-wrenching for him."
This marks the latest setback in McIlroy's 11-year quest to complete his career Grand Slam.
History suggests his challenge is now immense, with 18 of the last 19 Masters winners positioned within four shots of the lead after the opening round.
"It is a long way back for him," McGinley admitted.
McIlroy's first-round struggles at Augusta are well-documented, having broken 70 just twice in 17 opening rounds.
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He has now trailed by at least six shots after 18 holes in six consecutive Masters tournaments.
McIlroy's Masters history is filled with near-misses, most notably in 2011 when he took a four-shot lead into the final round.
That opportunity slipped away dramatically as he shot an 80, eventually finishing tied for 15th.
To compound his first-round frustration, McIlroy was outscored by both his playing partners.
American Akshay Bhatia, despite causing the delay at the 15th, recovered with three consecutive birdies to card a 70.
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Ludwig Aberg, who finished runner-up on his debut at Augusta last year, shot an impressive 68.
This puts the Swede level with Scottie Scheffler and Corey Connors in tied second place.
Aberg has now played his first five rounds at Augusta in 11-under par.
When asked to explain his remarkable success at the Masters, the Swede offered a refreshingly honest response.
"I don't know!" Aberg admitted.
