Masters: Time is still on Rory McIlroy’s side

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The locks that once curled out from under the edges of Rory McIlroy’s caps are long gone, replaced by streaks of gray at the temples. His face is more lined now, the twinkle in his eyes replaced with a deeper knowledge. He used to strut around Augusta National like he owned the place, and for many years he did … right up until Sunday afternoon came around.

It defies belief, but this is McIlroy’s 14th Masters, and every one of them has ended in frustration. Augusta National has beaten McIlroy to the ground in ways both cinematic and heartbreaking. The image of McIlroy looking lost amid the cabins that run along the edge – the very far edge – of the 10th hole in 2011 is one of…