McIlroy's Masters, Final Round: Rory fires 66, looks forward to future battles

Rory McIlroy will have to wait.

The world No. 1 authored another strong round Sunday at Augusta National, but failed to make up meaningful ground on Masters leader Jordan Spieth.

McIlroy (-12) finished on a high note, birdying 18 to tie the low round of the day with a 66. He finished alone in fourth place.

He outplayed his high-profile playing partner, bettering Tiger Woods by seven strokes in what was, ultimately, a disappointing day for both. 

"Having to fight back and just make the cut wasn't a position I wanted to be in after 27 holes," McIlroy said following his round. "But I'm proud of how I played afterwards. I can take a lot of positives from this."

Now McIlroy will have to set his sights on the younger gun, Spieth, in what could be golf's next big rivalry. At 25, it seems absurd that McIlroy is the elder-statesman in what many are calling the next Mickelson-Woods pairing, but that's the case.

The four-time major winner offered a congratulations and words of praise following his round, but was quick to add that he believes he'll be more competitive with Spieth in the future.

"It's a great position to be in, knowing that you've already wrapped it up," McIlroy said. "Being able to enjoy that walk up 18 is pretty special. He's a mature guy - I was going to say kid, you know he's four years younger than me - but he handles everything so well ... I'm looking forward to many battles with him in the future."