McIlroy Wins it all!

Magnificent McIlroy becomes European Number One in style. 

To fully appreciate just how good Rory McIlroy is you'll need to think back to a little injury he sustained before the Open Championship at St Andrews in July. Rupturing a ligament on his left ankle following a football kick about with his mates meant he could not defend his Open title...then there were weeks of recovery to strengthen his ankle. Within 5 weeks he was back at the PGA championships at Whistling Straits where he finished 17th...not bad at all.  

But 5 weeks is a long time in Golf and missing tournaments allowed others to catch him and in some cases...surpass him. Let's not also forget that he was still in the driving seat to become European Number One despite this injury and having played in fewer European Tour tournaments than any of his competitors.  

Going into the DP World Tour Championships, McIlroy held a slender lead over his nearest challenger, Danny Willett. The Englishman has had a fine season by all accounts but the mission for him was simple...finish above McIlroy and he would be European Number One. What followed over the next four days was a masterclass that Willett simply could not contend with. Day One may had seen the two men matching each other blow for blow but we should always remember that Golf is a marathon and never a sprint.  

As McIlroy edged closer to the finishing line today, Willett wilted. A four shot turnaround at the start of the day was always going to be tough against the former World Number One. Whilst consistent, Willett couldn't step his game up a couple of gears and finished Tied fourth...8 shots behind McIlroy. McIlroy doubled his advantage carding the round of the day. When he's hot...he's on fire.  

McIlroy also had another thing on his mind...he wasn't here just to be crowned, he was here to remind the world that his release of World Number One spot is only temporary. Andy Sullivan became his next target as the Englishman held a slender one shot lead. McIlroy's sensational performance on the back nine reminded Sullivan of the man's brilliance. He simply had no answer as McIlroy made his charge. A bogey on the 17th allowed for a slender one shot lead for McIlroy as they approached the 18th. Do or die time them both...by this time McIlroy already knew that the European Number One slot was his...now to take the title. The 620 yard Par 5 stood between them. One slip, one misjudgement or one moment of brilliance...could decide the outcome. Both men parred the final hole and with it...a McIlroy victory by one solitary shot.  

For Andy Sullivan a second place finish to McIlroy is no disgrace. A three time winner on the European Tour this season has alerted the world of his presence...it might be something for Ryder Cup Captain, Darren Clarke to think about. But for McIlroy, a win, the coveted European Number One position and a reminder to Jordan Spieth and Jason Day that form is temporary, class is permanent. The King may have been injured, his throne usurped, but now he's back...Mr Spieth and Mr Day, watch your back guys.