If there is anyone who can sympathise more with Australia’s Adam Scott following his final four hole Open Championship demise than it’s Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy went into the final round of the 2011 Masters leading by four shots but then posting a horror last round 80 to lose by 10 to South African Charl Schwartzel.

The Northern Irishman’s collaspe among the ‘Cathedral in the Pines’ was the most recent occasion prior to this year’s Open when we’ve seen such a spectacular fall from grace.

Scott headed into the Royal Lytham and St. Annes closing day also leading by four strokes but then bogeyed his closing four holes and lose by a stroke to Ernie Els.

“I just said to him, don’t let the last four holes hide the fact that you played better than everyone else for 68 holes.

“It happened to me at Augusta, and I had to really tell myself, look, for the first 63 holes you were better than everyone else.  It’s not my fault, it’s not Adam’s fault that a golf tournament is 72 holes.

“If it was 68 holes, Adam would have won the tournament.  It just happens to be 72.”

And after McIlroy’s spectacular return to glory in capturing the U.S. Open at Congressional, he believes Scott can also bounce back and capture that still illusive first Major.

“You just have to really believe in yourself and believe for those 68 holes you were the best player that week,” said McIlroy.

“Bu then it’s tough.  It’s a tough loss.

“At that moment in time you think it’s the only chance you’re ever going to get, and your whole world came crashing down.

“But in reality, Adam is such a great player that he’s going to have plenty of chances to win more Major Championships.

“I said it at the time of the Masters that you need to lose before you can win.  You need to learn how to handle that.  I’m sure he knows what he’s done wrong, and I’m sure that when he gets himself in that position again that’ll he’ll do the right thing.”

Coincidentally, Scott is this week’s WGC – Bridgestone Invitational defending champion.