McIlroy wins US PGA

bruced
August 11, 2014

Rory McIlroy won his fourth major in dramatic style at Valhalla on Sunday.

Leading by one stroke going into the final round, the Northern Irishman did not get the start he needed. He found himself two over after the opening six holes while challengers Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson had surged ahead.

Henrik Stenson, still looking for a maiden Major win, made five birdies on the front nine to leapfrog McIlroy and make it a thee way tie for the lead. However, the Swede would three putt on the 14th green for a bogey, effectively ending his chances despite carding a closing 66.

To add to the drama, a torrential downpour delayed play for nearly two hours and it was a race against time to finish the days play.

McIlroy would make a birdie on the seventh to get a stroke back, but it was the eagle on the par five 10th that kick-started the comeback. His fairway wood left him with a seven foot eagle putt and he made no mistake.

The 25-year-old would birdie the 13th to extend his lead, while Fowler and Mickelson would bogey the 14th and 16th respectively, giving the advantage to McIlroy. He then landed the killer blow when he sank a nine foot birdie putt on the 17th, giving him a two shot lead heading to the final tee.

Light was fading so fast that Mickelson and Fowler were asked to stand aside to let the final group tee-off as well, much to the lefty’s annoyance.

McIlroy’s drive landed dangerously close to the water, but he was able to recover. An up and down from the green-side bunker would be enough for McIlroy to lift the Wanamaker Trophy for the second time and earn his fourth Major victory.