McIlroy pips Scott in Sydney

Rory McIlroy finally has his first victory of 2013 after edging out Adam Scott on the 72nd hole of the Australian Open.
Scott started the day with a four-shot lead, seemingly on course to claim the triple crown of Australian golf after winning both the Australian Masters and PGA in recent weeks, but the Masters champion could only manage a 71 while McIlroy shot a superb 66 to seal the one-shot victory.
It all came down to the final hole, where McIlroy snatched a birdie as Scott bogeyed to see the lead change hands right at the death.
Highlights of McIlroy’s round included an eagle at the par-five seventh and a birdie from close range on the very next hole.
Scott then birdied the ninth to retake a lead after seeing his overnight four-shot advantage evaporate, and after matching birdies on the 13th, they headed to the 18th with Scott still leading by one.
But Scott would miss the green and then overhit his chip shot to leave himself too long a putt for par, allowing McIlroy to sink a simple five-footer for a birdie and the title.
It’s the Northern Irishman’s first win since last year’s DP Championship in Dubai.
“I stayed patient, I knew anything could happen,” said McIlroy after his round.
“I always believed I could win, he (Scott) had a couple of chances but was unlucky.
“The support this week was phenomenal, the atmosphere was fantastic.”
Of whether he would return next year, McIlroy added: “I’ve always tried to come back and defend wherever I’ve won.”
Latest
-
PGA Tour
Injury rules Open champion Cameron Smith out of BMW Championship
The Australian world number two currently sits third in the FedEx Cup standings, 1,132 points behind leader Will Zalatoris.
-
PGA Tour
Will Zalatoris triumphs in dramatic playoff to claim first PGA Tour win
The American defeated Austria’s Sepp Straka in three extra holes at TPC Southwind – despite not making a birdie.
-
News
Ewen Ferguson seals wire-to-wire victory at ISPS Handa World Invitational
The 26-year-old Scot also won the Qatar Masters in March.
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.