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Northern Irishman survives a scare at last to win by one
Words: GolfPunk
Photography: Getty Images
Rory McIlroy has finally done the talking on the course. Only six weeks after switching coaches, the world number fifteen produced the goods to win at Quail Hollow on Sunday. It is McIlroy's first victory since his success at the WGC – HSBC Champions in November 2019. Starting the day two shots behind Keith Mitchell a three-under-par 68 was good enough to seal a one-shot victory over Canadian Abraham Ancer. Mitchell and Norway's Viktor Hovland finished in a tie for third on eight-under. McIlroy had looked comfortable after consecutive birdies at the 14th and 15th holes gave him a two-shot lead. However, disaster almost struck at the last when a pulled drive found a hazard. Although his ball was not in the water, Rory sensibly chose to take a drop. A solid short iron shot to the green followed by two putts delivered the former world number one the title he so craved. "It's just awesome - it feels like a long time since the last win," McIlroy said. McIlroy, languishing in 51st on the FedEx Cup standings, put his success down partly to the return of the crowds. "I'm certainly glad that the crowds were back and I'm glad that I was able to get the job done in an atmosphere like that today."
McIlroy's return to form is timely, with the PGA Championship at Kiawah island just around the corner. If he can hold his form and putt like he did at Quail Hollow he must be one of the favourites as he searches for his first major since 2014. Although his driving accuracy was only 21.4% for the week, McIlroy hit 77.8% of greens in regulation and he was 1.63 in strokes gained putting. Rory did not miss a putt from inside six feet in all four rounds.
