Rory McIlroy displayed the qualities that have won him so many fans during his short career as he came to terms with his disastrous day of destiny at the Masters.
McIlroy took a four-shot lead into Sunday but stumbled round Augusta National in 80 to finish in a tie for 15th as Charl Schwartzel took the title.
At the time, the pain was all over the 21-year-old's face. Things were already bad when he found the trees twice at the 10th and walked off the green with a seven.
He then three-putted 11 for a bogey and took four with the short stick on 12 for a double-bogey five.
The Northern Irishman could have finished with a birdie but missed yet another short putt at the last.
As the dust settled, McIlroy 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.'
While McIlroy made a poor start to his final round with a bogey at the first, South African Schwartzel got off to a flyer by chipping in for a birdie at the opening hole and canning his second for an eagle at the third.
A birdie blitz on the back nine, capped by a superb three at the last, and the 26-year-old from Johannesburg was able to sign for a 66 and a 14-under-par total.
McIlroy added on Twitter: 'Oh and congratulations Charl Schwartzel!! Great player and even better guy! Very happy for him and his family!'
The likeable McIlroy won plenty of new admirers with his stunning play over the first three days and his reaction to Sunday's collapse.
He said: 'Thank you to everyone for all your kind words and messages of support. I'm a little overwhelmed! Very much appreciated!'
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