McIlroy storms to victory
Rory McIlroy claimed his second major title with an eight-shot win at the USPGA Championship at Kiawah Island.
Rory McIlroy claimed his second major title with an eight-shot win at the USPGA Championship at Kiawah Island.
On a day when his rivals faltered, McIlroy stood firm to become the fifth youngest player to win two major titles.
The Northern Irishman held a three-shot lead after the third round – which was postponed due to rain and completed on Sunday morning – and never looked back, finishing on thirteen-under-par.
Only Ian Poulter looked like he may threaten McIlory as he opened with six birdies in the first seven holes. However, the Englishman endured a run of a different nature on the back nine, bogeying four of the last six holes, to end on just four-under-par.
Carl Pettersson had begun the day as McIlroy’s closest challenger but the Swede was dealt a killer blow when he incurred a two-shot penalty on the first hole for grounding his club in a hazard. Four birdies on the remaining eight holes on the front nine suggested he may still be able to muster a charge but he faded to four-under and a tie of third.
The likes of Tiger Woods and Adam Scott were unable to produce the goods when it mattered, with Woods struggling to a 72 and a final score of two-under where he was joined by Scott who carded a closing 73.
There where low rounds on the day though, with David Lynn propelled into second place thanks to a 68. Justin Rose notched up eight birdies on his way to a 66 and a score of four-under where he was joined by among others 2011 champion Keegan Bradley who closed with a 68.
However, none of Sunday’s strong finishers had begun the day in a position to challenge McIlroy who certainly didn’t cave under the pressure of the occasion.
The 23-year-old, who moves back to world number one thanks to his victory, didn’t blot his copy book once as he produced six birdies to shoot a 66.
Such was McIlroy’s dominance that his eight-shot margin of victory eclipsed the previous record winning margin set by Jack Nicklaus in 1980.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy left feeling ‘like a sacrificial lamb’ after golf merger
McIlroy was kept in the dark about the stunning deal which was announced on Tuesday.
-
NewsRory McIlroy ‘surprised’ and has ‘mixed emotions’ over peace deal in world golf
The Northern Irishman thinks “ultimately it’s going to be good” for the professional game.
-
NewsRory McIlroy involved in angry exchange at PGA Tour players meeting – report
Players are coming to terms with the shock merger with LIV Golf.
-
NewsWhy has Saudi Arabia become big player in world sport and what does future hold?
The country sees sport as vital to diversifying its economy and encouraging activity among its citizens.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy due to face media over PGA’s agreement with LIV Golf
McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been the biggest supporters of the PGA Tour’s battle with rival LIV before the shock announcement.
-
PGA TourPGA Tour ‘should be ashamed’ over LIV deal, says 9/11 families group
Anger over Saudi backing after commissioner ‘co-opted the 9/11 community’ to oppose breakaway tour.
-
PGA TourPeople are going to call me a hypocrite over merger – PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan
The PGA and DP World Tours merged their commercial operations with LIV Golf in a shock announcement on Tuesday.
-
LIV GolfMerger of golf’s warring factions sends shockwaves through sport
The agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf came after 12 months of unprecedented disruption in the men’s professional game.
-
LIV GolfPlayers express feelings of shock and betrayal after PGA Tour’s LIV Golf merger
The new entity will be backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
-
PGA TourWhat does golf’s stunning merger mean for the sport?
The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf have come together in a shock commercial deal.