Golf:Greg Norman has said he knows what Rory McIlroy must have gone through as his Masters dream was crushed with a closing 80 at Augusta.

“I knew exactly how he felt — I’ve experienced it,” the Australian told the PGA Tour website.

In 1996 Norman led by six, shot 78 and lost by five to Nick Faldo. McIlroy went from four in front to 10 behind, suffering a terrible back nine that included a triple bogey seven at the 10th, a bogey at 11, a double bogey at the 12th and another dropped shot on 15.

“What is it with golf destiny?” he added. “ Isn’t it strange? It taps you on the back of your head and it either pushes you ahead or pushes you back. Who determines that? It’s crazy.”

Luke Donald, back to world number three after his fourth place, also spared a thought for Ryder Cup team-mate McIlroy.

“It’s tough — my heart goes out to him,” said Donald of McIlroy’s slump from four clear to 10 behind with a final-round 80.

“He’s a young player. He’ll bounce back, I’m sure. He’s great and has got a great future ahead of him, but he’s just got to take the learning experience from this and try to get better.

“It’s never easy to lead from the front and when I saw he made triple on 10 and backed it up with a couple more tough holes my heart went out to him.”