Rory McIlroy wins Players Championship despite Furyk charge
Rory McIlroy won the Players Championship in dramatic fashion on Sunday as he made two late birdies to win the tournament by one stroke.
McIlroy carded a final round 70 at TPC Sawgrass and held off a charge made by 48-year-old Jim Furyk who finished second after hitting an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys to card a round of 67 to end on 16 under.
It was though McIlroy’s first victory of 2019 and will give the Northern Irishman plenty of confidence ahead of next month’s Masters at Augusta where aims to complete a career Grand Slam.
The 29-year-old finished with two pars on Sunday to close out and seal his 15th US PGA Tour title.
The victory also comes after several near-misses for McIlroy, who has top-10 finishes in five previous starts in 2019.
The four-time major winner said after his win: “I think all those experiences I had starting the year helped.
“I felt more and more confident each time. I just stayed as patient as I possibly could.
“I hoped that if I just stayed patient enough and waited my turn things would work out and I’m glad they have.”
Overnight leader John Rahm lost his way in the final round as he started with three bogeys in four holes and never recovered to eventually finish with a four-over-par 76 and a tie for 12th place.
Latest
-
NewsJustin Rose wins AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to claim first title since 2019
Monday’s resumption saw the 42-year-old make birdies on the 11th, 13th and 14th en route to a 66.
-
PGA TourDaniel Gavins survives final-hole drama to win Ras Al Khaimah Championship
The Englishman held his nerve to hole for a double-bogey seven on the 18th and clinch a one-shot victory.
-
PGA TourGareth Bale admits to nerves on debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am
The 33-year-old, who announced his retirement from football last month, is a two-handicapper.
-
PGA TourJordan Spieth wants Pebble Beach to become one of PGA Tour’s elevated events
The PGA Tour’s top players have committed to playing against each other at least 20 times a year.
-
PGA TourG4D Open is ‘great news’ for golfers with disabilities – Brendan Lawlor
Up to 80 players will contest the inaugural event in May.
-
PGA TourIt’s been a battle – Rory McIlroy delighted to pip rival Patrick Reed in Dubai
The Northern Irishman birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot ahead of Reed on 19 under par.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed with birdie on 18 to seal Dubai win
McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish 19 under par.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy leads by three in bid to win his third Dubai Desert Classic title
England’s Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury are McIlroy’s closest challengers heading into the final round.
-
LPGA TourGolf bid to increase diversity in sport improving but still has ‘long way to go’
Nicola Bennett is an ambassador for the Golf Foundation, helping to drive grassroots campaigns.
-
PGA TourRichard Bland boasts share of lead at halfway stage in Dubai Desert Classic
The 49-year-old returned to complete his second round on Saturday morning, carding three more birdies and a solitary bogey in his remaining 14 holes.