Jason Day left the Masters empty-handed again after firing just four back-nine birdies all week on a ruthless Augusta National.
Only two birdies came the Australian’s way on a calmer Sunday after three days of high winds, but again the par-fives that have been so lucrative in recent years continued to elude him this week.
He had many chances today, but couldn't find the spark needed to run down the leaders, managing birdies only at the 8th and 15th.
"Pretty much the whole week I was just out of position, for the most part,” said Day after a boggey on the last consigned him to a 73 and a one-over finish.
“It was kind of disappointing week from tee to green. On the green was great when I gave myself the opportunity I felt like I could capitalise on, but today I didn't give myself the opportunity.”
The world No.1 vowed he would go away and assess how to improve after his third top-10 finish in five completed Masters appearances.
“The first few days were a good grind for me,” he said.
“But today from tee to green today wasn't that good. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great.
“And then when you're out of position and you don't quite give yourself the opportunities, it's tough to get any sort of score going.
“It is what it is. I've just got to try to focus on what I need to do for next year.”
It will be cold comfort for Day that he will retain the world No.1 ranking because of Jordan Spieth’s spectacular collapse on the 12th.
As if to prove that, the Queenslander felt for his good friend after his dramatic quadruple-bogey.
“I was absolutely shocked when I saw Jordan go from five to one (over the card),” Day said.
“It's tough to win major championships. So many things go through your mind (and) sometimes you just don't feel comfortable on certain shots.
“Unfortunately he hit a bad shot and another bad shot.
“I'm sure he's killing himself for it. But we all do it to ourselves.
“Hopefully he just learns from it and gets better.
“You go out and led for seven rounds at Augusta since last year – he’s done a fantastic job.”