Rory McIlroy British Open: Former World No. 1 Will Crumble After Poor 2nd Round

Former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy will crumble this weekend in the final round at the 2012 British Open from Royal Lytham & St. Annes after struggling mightily during Friday's second round.

McIlroy's second-round 75 erased his strong first round and put the 23-year-old on pace to do exactly what he has done at majors throughout 2012: crumble. McIlroy actually missed the cut at the U.S. Open at Olympic Club last month, despite having won the tournament the previous year.

Before then, McIlroy shot nine-over in the final two rounds of the Masters to finish five shots over par for the tournament and tied for 40th. Although McIlroy's prospects of winning this year's Open Championship looked promising after his first-round 67, his second-round free fall signaled that he won't be challenging the leaders at Royal Lytham this weekend.

It all started going downhill for the Northern Ireland native on the ninth hole on Friday, when he double bogeyed, leading to three additional bogeys to round out the day. It was only a matter of time before McIlroy came unglued, considering he double bogeyed towards the end of his opening round. The only difference on Thursday was that he knocked in six birdies to overcome the blooper.

What makes McIlroy's chances at making a comeback in England even less likely is the fact that he was insignificant at last year's British Open. McIlroy finished 25th at the Open Championship in 2011, shooting seven-over during the weekend's final two rounds. One month later at the PGA Championship, McIlroy finished 64th at 11-over. 

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McIlroy In Major Tournaments (Since 2011 U.S. Open)

Tournament - Finish

2011 British Open - 25th

2011 PGA Championship - 64th

2012 Masters - 40th

2012 US Open - Missed Cut

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So, here we go again.

McIlroy's confidence has also got to be a concern for supporters. Having been in the same situation last year, and on more than one occasion in 2012, fear of failure will only put more of a clamp on McIlroy's game and swagger. 

The 2010 British Open at St. Andrews must feel like ages ago for Rory, who finished third that year despite shooting a second round 80 (10-over). However, McIlroy's strong finish was more so the product of his first-round 63 than it was an incredible, clutch weekend performance. 

McIlroy's 2011 U.S. Open victory was the result of consistency and strong first half play. Already at Royal Lytham, McIlroy has shot two double bogeys (he had just one through 72 holes at the 2011 US Open) and put himself 12 shots back of the leader.

Unfortunately, contention, as well as the coveted Claret Jug are out of reach for the former No. 1-ranked golfer this weekend at the British Open. If his second-round collapse was any indication, he will crumble in the face of adversity this weekend. 

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